Time to call it quits?

[aesch]

I have a 2 yr old RIR hen who is struggling. She has sour crop that will not drain no matter how much it's messaged. I have diligently given her water and oil and while she has passed some stool there was nothing remarkable to note. She has also been limping and pecking at the bottom of her feet. She has a small bumblefoot on both feet although only one seems to be bothering her. I'm not sure how long her crop has been a problem as I just noticed it two days ago. I've soaked her in a warm bath with Epsom salt and baking soda and she's sleeping in a towel on my lap. Should I take care of both feet at once or just the one that pains her? Also she's molting. Poor little girl.

 

[cleoandtheflock]

I I have a chicken who I fell like giving up on but haven’t if you try hard you can usually help them someone on here is sure to help soon

 

[muddy75]

@casportpony @azygous @Eggcessive

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I'm sorry to here this. If someone with more experience says there's nothing to help her - I would put her down.

 

[Eggcessive]

There is no reason to put her down after 2 days. Does she have a bad or sour odor from her beak? Is her crop soft and puffy? A sour crop is not supposed to be massaged since it can cause them to throw up crop contents. An impacted crop can be massaged.

Does your hen lay eggs still? Does her lower belly down between her legs feel enlarged, spongy or tight? Reproductive infections can sometimes cause crop disorders due to pressure on the digestive organs, and that may lead to crop disfunction. Here are 2 good articles about crop disorders and treatments:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/

 

[cluckmecoop7]

There is no reason to put her down after 2 days.

OP said she just noticed it 2 days ago. She's not sure how long the poor hen has had it. *Sending hugs your way @aesch.*

Just saying.

 

[Eggcessive]

I would work on trying to treat her crop first. Bumblefoot usually is not an emergency unless it looks very infected. Can you post any pictures of the bumblefoot as well a picture of your sick hen? Soaking the feet in warm Epsom salts in a dish pan or the sink for 30 minutes a day can help to start treatment. Sometimes bumblefoot surgery is needed, but sometimes soaking and removing the scab can help to squeeze out the cheesy core. Here is a good article to read of bumblefoot treatment:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/

 

[azygous]

With proper treatment, the crop issue should clear up. No need to euthanize this hen unless you simply have no time or incentive to spend the time to treat her.

Sour crop and impacted crop are different issues, and they are treated differently. Sour crop is not massaged, nor is oil give in order to treat it. Instead, it's treated with an anti-yeast medicine Miconazole you can get from the women's hygiene products aisle.

Impacted crop is treated with oil and massage, but you need to identify which crop disorder you are dealing with. Please read the articles to inform your self that @Eggcessive linked to. After that, we can answer any questions you may have.

 

[micstrachan]

I have nothing to add to the excellent advice you have received, but wish you well.

 

[aesch]

There is no reason to put her down after 2 days. Does she have a bad or sour odor from her beak? Is her crop soft and puffy? A sour crop is not supposed to be massaged since it can cause them to throw up crop contents. An impacted crop can be massaged.

Does your hen lay eggs still? Does her lower belly down between her legs feel enlarged, spongy or tight? Reproductive infections can sometimes cause crop disorders due to pressure on the digestive organs, and that may lead to crop disfunction. Here are 2 good articles about crop disorders and treatments:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...w-to-know-which-one-youre-dealing-with.73607/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ntion-and-treatments-of-crop-disorders.67194/

It's been longer than two days but right after I posted this it went down. We'll see how it is in the morning. Hopefully all she needed was a good soak in warm water and 45 minutes of cuddle time. Yes she is still laying, she is molting now so that's stopped but she's a great layer otherwise. This still leaves the bumblefoot question: one at a time or both and get it over with. I appreciate your reply and the links.