Update on sick chicken

[oaklandchicks]

Unfortunately my hen is getting worse. She is throwing up now. Just clear liquid.

Has anyone heard of this before?

 

[Wes in Tx]

Could and most likely caused by an impacted crop. Check the crop tonight to see how big it is and then in the morning to see if it has gone down. If not then treat as an impacted crop.

 

[oaklandchicks]

I went and checked her crop. It is quite big and very squishy, much like a water baloon. If it is still large in the morning then it is impacted, correct. What is the protocol for that? Is there a place on the site explaining the cure? Thanks so much for your help.

 

[bayouchica]

Hi there, here's a link for you,it's from the other BYC forum

http://p072.ezboard.com/Information...ardchickensfrm30.showMessage?topicID=17.topic

 

[oaklandchicks]

Thanks for the link. Her crop is smaller this morning but was not completely gone like the others. I will try the flush and let you all know how it worked out. Anyone had good luck doing the flush? I won't be able to do it until later today. Thanks so much for everyone's help.

 

[bayouchica]

I haven't tried the flush, but have done the minerial oil treatment. Maybe you can try that if the flush is not working.. If ya get some bread & soak it with the minerial oil & give to your hen, that may be better for you... sorry I didn't think of mentioning that one.

Good luck!! Miriam

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

Here is some information on impacted crops and what my cause it and how to cure.

The crop may occasionally become impacted when feed is withheld prior to worming, causing chickens to eat too much afterwards. Crops may also get packed when birds are free ranged where little is available to eat but tough, fibrous vegetation. Even if the bird continues to eat nutrition cannot get through. The swollen crop may cut off the windpipe, suffocating the bird. Crop impaction is not likely to occur in properly fed birds.

Provide proper rations and plenty of clean, fresh water. If feed is withheld prior to worming, offer a moistened ration 1-hour after worming.

If you suspect impacted crop, administer two eye-droppers full of mineral oil (NOT MINERAL SPIRITS!) by forcing an eye-dropper down the chickens gullet, and massage the hard lump between your fingers to soften it up and help her pass it. Repeat if necessary the following day. If the crop remains hard and the chicken appears distressed, then you may resort to the above treatment or take it to a vet.
Good luck,

 

[oaklandchicks]

I have been forcing the oil down for two days but no luck. I have to recruit someone to help with the flush. I am working on it. The only other alternative is surgery. Hmmmm. She has a very hard ball every morning in her crop. I have managed to get her to eat some cooked farro with yogurt and acv. What is eveyone's opinion on vitamins? What do you give. I am sure she is deficient now. Thanks again for all of the advice.

 

[dlhunicorn]

How is your bird now??? Here is my collected information on sour crop/crop stasis (immobility):
http://dlhunicorn.conforums.com/index.cgi?board=emergencies&action=display&num=1161893898