Locking Bar Eglu Classic

[Mumbles Chick]

One of my Bovans Nera has been a bit grumpy for the last couple of days. She has been pecking at the other five girls, and just seemed irritated and cross. She has been eating and drinking normally. Yesterday and today she spent hours in the nest box - and by lunchtime today I concluded that she was broody, so I took her out of the nest and dunked her in cold water. I have now done this 4 times.

 

About half an hour ago, I noticed that she has a very pronounced lump on the right side of her chest. It feels egg shaped - but I dont know enough about chickens to know whether the egg forms in this area of her body. I thought that if she was egg-bound, the lump would be under her body and between her legs. This lump is hard and definitely at the front.

 

I have isolated her and am keeping a close eye on her.

 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. MC.

[Redwing]

Is it her crop maybe? this is where food gets stored during the day, it is more pronounced later in the day and should be empty (ie hardly noticeable) in the mornings

 

If you don't handle your chooks a lot it can come as a surprise to see and feel and if you are not otherwise aware it can be seen as a big lump or a tumour but it is completely normal

Edited June 14, 2009 by Guest

[Ain't Nobody Here]

It sounds like it's her crop. It is slightly to the side. It should feel squidgey and kind of gravelly. Check her in the morning and if it feels empty she should be fine. If it's still full (and hard) you will need to do something (come back and tell us and someone with experience will help!) Something to do with olive oil and massage, I think .

[Mumbles Chick]

Thanks so much for your comments. Should I keep her isolated overnight? MC

[Redwing]

I wouldn't think thats necessary, there is every chance that the full crop is completely normal and a wet chicken looks skinnier so its more noticeable to you and there is absolutely nothing wrong

 

If it is still big in the morning then you will need to seek advice

[*mummy_hen*]

It certainly sounds like the crop from what you have said about it's shape and position.

 

My girls often went to bed with protruding crops as they are just sooo greedy!! However by the time you let them out in the morning she should have gone down again, if it hasn't it could be a number of crop 'problems' which should not be left untreated.

[Egluntyne]

I agree....it definitely sounds like her crop.

 

I don't think there is any need to isolate her at this stage.