Single hen

[err_rachael]

just checked the two over and maz appears to have a blocked crop. it feels quite hard and big. just wondered what option is best really, i read about using live white maggots? im not sure how easy i could get hold of them. also massaging the crop which i can do as she seems a lot more tame with me but still a bit fidgety. i'm a bit clueless about syringing olive oil into her beak though also how serious is a blocked crop? have been giving them grit and oyster shell sprinkled into their run but maybe not enough? was just wondering whether this is a routine thing that happens often.

 

thanks.

[Kittycat]

Somebody who knows what they're talking about will probably come along in a minute but, I think you might find it has cleared by tomorrow morning. If not, then I guess it is a blocked crop in which case some warm olive oil and massage will hopefully do the trick.

 

Good luck

[Plum]

If you have only just found it don't worry it will empty overnight. I would check in the morning and if its the same you could be right about it being blocked.

 

If you need to clear it then wrap her in a towel to get some oil in her beak but don't wear you best clothes

 

Quite a few chickens have this problem but it should clear as you say with oil and massage. My Grackle did it Christmas Eve when I was really busy, I was very upset but it cleared within a few days.

If it's a blocked crop think what is causing it. Forum folk have said long grass or hay can cause it but I caught Grackle eating straw so when I removed that I've not had the problem again.

 

Fingers crossed for you that it clears overnight.

[err_rachael]

ah that makes sense i'll check it in the morning, thank you!

[sandyhas3chucks]

maggots white buy from fishing shops. work well

[Hen Watch]

If her crop is big in the afternoon that's normal and nothing to worry about. It will digest and empty overnight.

 

If it's large and swinging in the morning then it may be a problem (either impacted crop or sour crop). There is a Sticky on it in FAQ.

 

Live white maggots you can buy by the pint or halfpint from fishing tackle shops (remember to take along your own pot with airholes ie. old flora tub etc). Or I got some online from this place who were very good.

http://www.wormsdirectuk.co.uk/acatalog/Maggots.html

Even without crop problems, maggots are a great treat for hens anyway. But not for the squeemish as they need to live in your fridge.......

[sandyhas3chucks]

and very cool, as they like to escape although I found that a handful of mash kept them happy near the bottom of the pot not out looking for food!

DEFINATELY not for the sqeamish (I am that, but for the greater good of my girl & all that!)

[Tiggy]

I got maggots from our local fishing tackle shop, the girls loved them, and seemed to do the trick when patsy got a little blocked