newbiechickenmamma11
In the Brooder
I have an 8 week old chick whose crop does not empty in the mornings. I would say if it was 100% full in the evening, it empties about 30% overnight, so around 70% is still left in the mornings. I have withdrawn food overnight a few times to confirm this is what is happening.
In the mornings, the crop contents do feel like a pretty solid ball. If I massage the crop in the mornings to help the contents move on, it easily breaks up and within 5-10 minutes I can get at least half of the contents moved on. In the past, I have also tried giving olive oil before the massage, and one time I also withdrew some food and only allowed water for some time to see if it'd help. The crop contents look like the chick starter, though I wouldn't be surprised if it has also been eating some wood shavings..
However, the next morning it happens again. It's been like this for around two weeks now. Has anyone have any tips on how to solve this issue in the long term?
The context is: it's an araucana, 8 weeks, it is definitely developing slower than my other chicks of same age but different breed (only has back wing feathers and feathers growing down the side, still waiting for its back feathers). However, compared to its other araucana hatchmates it is the largest. It behaves active and healthy. No other birds have the same symptoms. Its poop looks normal. It eats chick starter, and the brooder bedding is wood shavings.
Thanks so much!
In the mornings, the crop contents do feel like a pretty solid ball. If I massage the crop in the mornings to help the contents move on, it easily breaks up and within 5-10 minutes I can get at least half of the contents moved on. In the past, I have also tried giving olive oil before the massage, and one time I also withdrew some food and only allowed water for some time to see if it'd help. The crop contents look like the chick starter, though I wouldn't be surprised if it has also been eating some wood shavings..
However, the next morning it happens again. It's been like this for around two weeks now. Has anyone have any tips on how to solve this issue in the long term?
The context is: it's an araucana, 8 weeks, it is definitely developing slower than my other chicks of same age but different breed (only has back wing feathers and feathers growing down the side, still waiting for its back feathers). However, compared to its other araucana hatchmates it is the largest. It behaves active and healthy. No other birds have the same symptoms. Its poop looks normal. It eats chick starter, and the brooder bedding is wood shavings.
Thanks so much!
