Sticky salvia, lump in throat

[Luvmychicks22]

Hi Everyone,

I am new here and new to raising chickens. I have a 10 week old Barred Rock hen that has been looking rough for about a week. I first noticed that her eyes weren't as bright as everyone else's, that prompted me to examine her more closely. She has sticky salvia in her mouth, when I force her to drink it seems to help bring up whatever is in there. I did some research on impacted crop but I'm not sure if this is the case, the pictures I saw shows the crop a lot lower on their body, this lump I'm feeling is more in the middle of her neck. Last night, I brought her in and only offered her water and grit, I've been massaging the lump and when I do she opens her beak wide as if in pain.

I'm not sure if I should take her to the vet or keep her inside for a few more days.

Thanks for any help!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I like to err on the side of caution, birds that are ill don't have a lot of wiggle room to wait and see if they will get better. Birds tend to hide illnesses, so others in the flock won't attack/kill them. I'm guessing that sticky saliva and the lump in throat are either due to crop issues, ,poor hydration - maybe she doesn't drink enough or possibly is running a fever, etc.

Is she pooing normally, have any interaction with others in the flock? Get bullied away from food & water? Answers to any of these questions might provide a glimpse into what is ailing her. It's very hard to diagnose any bird when you can't observe in person, and give an examination.
Quote: Hi

Welcome To BYC

I see that @drumstick diva asked some great questions on the introduction thread - that was very helpful - I posted her comment and your reply.

Since you are seeing something in her throat that you think may be a fungal infection (Canker/Trichomoniasis ) seeking vet care would be best. There are numerous threads and articles here on BYC and the web for treating Canker with Fish Zole (metronidazole, Flagyl). If caught very early home treatment may be effective, but canker can be hard to treat.

Keep her separated. Getting her hydrated is the first thing you need to do, regardless if you treat at home or get to the vet. Offer fresh clean water or you can add some poultry vitamins to the water. Clean and sanitize her water station daily - if you haven't done so, clean and sanitize your flock's water station - canker can be transmitted through oral secretions in food/water.

Let us know how she is doing.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1080266/canker