Week old chick with hard crop

[Thork]

Hello- New chicken mother here, so I’m looking for advice or someone to tell me to calm down and wait just out, if that is appropriate.
I have an 8 day old BO pullet who is acting 100% normal- eating, drinking, sleeping like all the others and so so sweet, but her crop is rock hard. I noticed this yesterday and have been attempting to check her before she goes in gorges herself, but who can really tell the last time a chick ate? She is growing normally otherwise. She has no other symptoms or injuries. Brooder has been in the 90-95 degree range and the chicks act comfortable; they are on pine shavings well covered with paper towels. I haven’t seen her pecking at any stay shavings, but I suppose it is a possibility that she ate some. Starter feed and water with electrolytes and probiotics have been available 24/7 since I got them. Stools are normal.

I suppose I may just be nervous, but I would appreciate hearing from y’all what to look out for and if there Is anything else I should be doing. thanks in advance!

 

[Thork]

Of note- the crop is blueberry-grape sized

 

[coach723]

Some chicks are just piggies and eat a lot. If everything else is normal and it's pooing normally, then that may be all it is. It can be hard to judge in chicks especially if you are using a heat lamp, since it never gets dark and they feed around the clock, it can be hard to find an empty crop. If the chick were acting ill, then I would worry.

 

[Kaki1]

It sounds like impacted crop. It happened to a few of my chicks a couple weeks ago, and they're doing great now. As long as the chick is acting normally, she should be fine. If she lets you, try massaging the crop (making sure to move downward) to get things moving. Do this a few times a day until you see improvement. Putting some apple cider vinegar in their water can also help, not to mention it's great for their immune and digestive systems. Another option is to feed her some plain yogurt with a few drops of oregano oil in it, as oregano is a natural antibiotic.
It should be resolved within a few days, but if it persists you might consider isolating her so you can monitor how much she's eating, drinking, pooping, etc. If something seems off, you may have to take her to a vet. Otherwise, she should be fine! BOs are one of my favorite breeds, and are some of the sweetest birds you will ever meet.

 

[Thork]

Thanks for quelling my anxiety!