Crop not emptying completely

[Gotalotofpetstoo]

Mae is a 9 yr old blind Golden Comet. She's been a house chicken since she went blind about 4 months ago. We had to tube feeding (Kaytee's baby bird formula) and supplement her with vitamins for about 3-4 wks to get her back on her feet after going blind and being confused. She started eating on her own and was doing great, for a few months, so we stopped the tube feeding and the vitamins. Just last week she quit eating again, so we are tube feeding again and giving her the supplements again. But now we've noticed her crop isn't emptying completely. It is soft and squishy since we are tube feeding, and I don't feel anything hard in there either. I've been massaging it to try to break up/work down whatever could be blocking it, and it does go down some after I massage it, but still not completely. I've tried working it upwards in case it's sagging and not emptying fully and am considering getting a bra, but what else can I do to help her get back on track?

 

[FowlProtector]

Mae is a 9 yr old blind Golden Comet. She's been a house chicken since she went blind about 4 months ago. We had to tube feeding (Kaytee's baby bird formula) and supplement her with vitamins for about 3-4 wks to get her back on her feet after going blind and being confused. She started eating on her own and was doing great, for a few months, so we stopped the tube feeding and the vitamins. Just last week she quit eating again, so we are tube feeding again and giving her the supplements again. But now we've noticed her crop isn't emptying completely. It is soft and squishy since we are tube feeding, and I don't feel anything hard in there either. I've been massaging it to try to break up/work down whatever could be blocking it, and it does go down some after I massage it, but still not completely. I've tried working it upwards in case it's sagging and not emptying fully and am considering getting a bra, but what else can I do to help her get back on track?

It sounds like you're doing a great job taking care of Mae, especially with the tube feeding and massages. Here are a couple of things you could try to help her crop empty completely:

• Slow down the feeding process: Sometimes feeding too quickly can cause the crop to not empty fully. Try giving smaller amounts more frequently, and make sure each feeding is gentle.
• Encourage movement: If Mae is able to move around, even a little, it can help stimulate digestion. A short walk or some time to scratch around (if she's up to it) might encourage the crop to empty better.
• Crop massage: Continue with the gentle massage, but also try massaging in the opposite direction (downwards toward the vent) to help move any stuck food or liquid along. Be careful not to apply too much pressure.
• Warm water or olive oil: Adding a little warm water or a drop of olive oil to the tube feeding mixture can help lubricate and aid digestion, which might help the crop empty more effectively.
• Monitor for signs of sour crop: If her crop isn't emptying and starts to smell sour or if she shows signs of distress (lethargy, discomfort), it could be a sign of a more serious issue like sour crop. In that case, you may need to try some natural remedies, like giving her a little yogurt or apple cider vinegar in her water to help with digestion.
• Consult with a vet: If the problem persists or gets worse, it might be a good idea to consult a vet, especially to rule out any underlying conditions or a more serious crop issue like impacted crop or crop stasis.

You're doing everything you can to help her get back on track! Hopefully, with time and these adjustments, her crop will start functioning properly again.