Cube Mark One Run

[percy049]

yesterday we discovered that one of our ex-free range (violet, 2 1/2 years) had a impacted crop. we gave her oil and massaged her crop, and it went down a lot by last night. now, her crop has still got a tiny bulge, but she is fluffing her feathers, just standing there and has done some really watery poos. she had quite a bit of poo stuck to her feathers around her vent.

We have put her in the garage with her friend, to keep her company. she is drinking plenty of water, and we have restricted food. over the last couple of days, she and her 'sister' have lost loads of feathers. we put this down to stress over the introductions. they had a couple of mini moults over winter, but im wondering if they're just having another 'fuller' one. I looked at violets vent, and shes lost a lot of feathers around there, and you can easily see her skin.

i dont really want to take her to the vets, but can you tell me what i can do to help and comfort her please. I just hope she makes it through tonight....

[The Dogmother]

You are right to restrict their feed, but give them something like Avipro in their water or in a sloppy mash.

 

With regards to the feather loss, I'd check for lice and also make sure that they others aren't pulling them out.

[Plum]

Have they been wormed recently? When they are moulting it does make them vulnerable to problems. A tonic may help and will aid feather growth. I use lifeguard. Sorry I use lifeguard for the chickens

[percy049]

yeah, we only just wormed them last week. she was a bit better today, but yesterday and earier today she kept going in the nest box to sleep and underneath the clemitis. All the girls kept checking up on her to make he was alright, even though violet always pecks the new girls!