what is wrong with my rooster?!?! with pictures

[mochic]

My roo has a large hard limp on the side of his neck-- it doesn't seem to be bothering him but its concerning-- he has had it for a few months. He is 9 months old-- I didn't think much of it until I saw another rooster and he didn't have it. Yes- im new to chickens.

 

[mochic]

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you know where the crop is located? Could it be the crop? The crop is located on the upper right side just under the neck. Sometimes an air sac can leak under the skin causing a ballooning-out of the skin, which can happen after an injury to the neck or chest. A picture may help. Here is a link for chicken anatomy: http://www2.ca.uky.edu/poultryprofi.../Chapter3_Anatomy_and_Physiology/Chapter3.pdf

 

[mochic]

 

[mochic]

Does it look like where the crop would be?-- I thought it was down further then where my roos limp is but I don't know.......

 

[mochic]

he has never had a injury and I have had him since he was 3 days old

 

[Eggcessive]

If he has had this for a few months, I would think it might be a full crop. Can you feel it first thing in the morning to see if it has emptied? Here is a link about crop problems and about leaking air sacs (subcutaneous emphysema.) Here are some links to look at:
http://www.tillysnest.com/2012/01/crop-issues.html
http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2012/04/answers-from-chicken-vet-on-impacted.html
http://www.thepoultrysite.com/publications/6/diseases-of-poultry/223/subcutaneous-emphysema

 

[craftiekids]

Is it hard or squishy? Does it seem to bother him? It does look odd but it is in the right area to be a lopsided crop. If it's hard than it's not the crop, it's something growing like a cist but if it doesn't bother him he could be fine with it. If it's squishy his crop could be just out of place. A livestock vet would know for sure..... I do hope he's ok, he's a handsome little thing! Susie Q

 

[mochic]

HI, thanks! He is the sweetest roo and takes such good care of my hens. The area is very hard.

 

[Eggcessive]

HI, thanks! He is the sweetest roo and takes such good care of my hens. The area is very hard.

Can you feel any grains inside the hard part, kind of like a bean bag or hackysack? Does it feel solid like a tumor? He is handsome.