stange lump

[ECarter1217]

Ann has a strange lump on her chest she is 5 weeks old 6 wks on Thursday I first noticed it at 3 weeks of age any idea what it is?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Looks like her crop is full.

 

[ECarter1217]

Looks like her crop is full.

Do I do anything????

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yep, looks like she's been eating

Nope, you didn't do anything wrong. The crop is essentially a food pouch, when she eats the crop fills up, the food then goes to the gizzard to be processed, then it's digested, she poos, then it's starts all over again. You will see the crop at various stages of fill throughout the day. A chicken should fill it's crop before bed, this food will last them all night. the crop will be empty or flat in the morning, then she will refill again.

Here's a good explanation on how a crop functions and what it looks like - don't over think the whole article, but it is good to be aware of the crop and from time to time to check it to make sure it's working properly:
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/06/chicken-anatomy-crop-impacted-crop-sour.html

 

[ECarter1217]

Thank you so much