When To Suspect Crop Impaction?

[RedTailRanch6]

Let me start with this: I have had a long odyssey with this hen, so at this point I am especially sensitive as we have grown very fond of her.

She is a 6 month old Silver Wyandotte, here is a brief summary of the odyssey:
1. had a minor (undiagnosed) yeast infection
2. was ostracized from my flock because of this
3. which resulted in major dehydration and a shortage of vitamins
4. spent two weeks inside with us on meds until she seemed 110%
5. was reintroduced for 20 hours outside with the rest of the flock
6. showed signs of dehydration and stress (unable to walk)
7. was brought back in
8. After close monitoring for 24 hours, she is up and walking (though is a bit shaky)

She seems to be doing much better, but I noticed her crop was quite hard. On it's own, not enough so to worry me but since she hasn't been eating much, it seemed odd. It is no larger than about half of a tennis ball (close to normal from what I've seen) but it is definitely SLIGHTLY fuller and harder than I am used to. What are the earliest signs of crop impaction I should watch for?

 

[RedTailRanch6]

Bump for any insight. Input would be very much appreciated.

I checked her crop this morning and it seemed pretty full. I would have thought that after a night of sleep, it would be empty?

 

[mirandaleecon]

Bump for any insight. Input would be very much appreciated.

I checked her crop this morning and it seemed pretty full. I would have thought that after a night of sleep, it would be empty?

Yes, after a night of sleep, it should be empty, as long as you checked her before she had any time to eat anything. I don't have much experience with crop impaction beyond that so hopefully someone else will chime in here...