beach chick Posted July 17, 2009 Share Posted July 17, 2009 this probably sounds really ignorant, but having been browsing lately have found lots of people mentioning crop problems, and I wouldnt know where to start!!! so in the spirit of being prepared.... here are some v. basic questions: - where exactly is the crop? (is it the belly between the legs?) - what should a normal crop feel like? - what are the abnormal signs? - could you diagnose a crop problem just by looking or is a physical exam essential? - how do you massage the crop? - when should you decide you need olive oil/maggots/vet? thanks very much in advance! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 this probably sounds really ignorant, but having been browsing lately have found lots of people mentioning crop problems, and I wouldnt know where to start!!! so in the spirit of being prepared.... here are some v. basic questions: - where exactly is the crop? (is it the belly between the legs?) - what should a normal crop feel like? Like a bag of wet grit - what are the abnormal signs? If it is absolutely rock hard, not going down overnight, the hen is losing weight and not pooing after a few days and is listless -----> impacted. If it is large, feels like a balloon full of liquid and the hen's breath smells ----> sour crop, which can often come on after an episode of impacted crop. - could you diagnose a crop problem just by looking or is a physical exam essential? You would need to hold the hen and examine her thoroughly. - how do you massage the crop? By rubbing it gently but firmly to try to disperse the contents. - when should you decide you need olive oil/maggots/vet? I would give the olive oil at the first suspicion. If that plus massage don't make a difference, then the maggots. No improvement after a couple of days -----> Vets thanks very much in advance! Link to Claret's article **Click** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Don't be embarrased about asking, it took me ages to work out exactly where it was, and even longer to get used to how it should feel! It is worth grabbing a hen and having a feel every so often, so you get used to how full/empty it is at different times of day and so on. That's a brilliant diagram Egluntine, I think we should stickify that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted July 18, 2009 Author Share Posted July 18, 2009 thank you for this - I had NO idea that's where the crop is!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted July 18, 2009 Share Posted July 18, 2009 Impressed Egluntine I didn't know you were an artist. Just to add beach chick it can be on the right or left. Have you found the ears yet that took me a while to work out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
