The Poultry Keeper

Scoop · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Somerset

I got four ex-battery hens at the weekend and all seem to be eating and drinking normally. They're all alert and lively (considering) but there is one which seems to have had a full crop every morning since I got her. She's not got any feathers on her neck or breast, though, so that may be making the crop a bit more "obvious".
I've read a lot on the forum about being crop bound and sour crop but as I don't know what a "normal" crop should feel or look like I don't know whether I should be worried or not.
She's not dribbling and her breath doesn't smell, so I guess it's not sour crop. I massaged her crop this morning and the stuff inside was moving about, it seemed a bit lumpy, but certainly wasn't rock solid.
I presume if the crop was blocked she'd be lethargic? Some of them have also got diarrhea - I guess this is just stress and I shouldn't panic for a day or two?
Does anyone have any experience with ex-bats??? I heard live yoghurt might be worth a try?

CP · Posted: Tue May 06, 2008 11:02 am Post subject:

Usually the crop is filled throughout the day to be digested overnight. So she should have an empty one in the morning. What are the other girls like? Have they access to grit?

I've not had ex-batts but a drop of yogurt wouldn't hurt anyway. The extra calcium with help with re-feathering.

The diarrhea could be due to the stress of moving & change of diet. Give them a week with ACV in their water as a general tonic. Wink

Scoop · Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 46 Location: Somerset

Many thanks. They do have access to grit and have been out foraging around a small fenced off area in the garden - it's amazing how quickly their instincts have kicked in.
All the books I've read say the crop should be empty in the morning, which is what has started me panicking!
But, if anything, the one with the "full" crop in the morning is the most active of the lot.

Kitsune · Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 1345 Location: Manchester

I'd say that as long as she is active and bright don't worry too much - but keep an eye on her. If you're really worried about it you can separate her with no food just water and see how long it takes her crop to go down.