Rooster's stomach gurgles when drinking water

[Sunshine Flock]

Sometimes I hear his stomach when he's not eating or drinking water. But I often hear gurgles when he drinks water. He's healthy and he's done this before. I probably first noticed it six or seven weeks ago. It was a bit stronger today.

Any suggestions as to why his stomach gurgles? Could he have parasites?

Should I treat him for parasites just in case? We're raising chickens organically, so we would need a natural, safe remedy to use on him and the flock.

Thank you.

 

[azygous]

You are likely hearing his crop, not his stomach. Any noise in the crop needs to be watched. It could signify the crop isn't emptying as it should.

Check his crop, the bulge slightly to the right on his chest, at night after he roosts. Is it hard? Is it full? Do you feel lumps?

Check it in the morning before light when he's still roosting. It should be empty now. Just a flat chest. If it's full, what does it feel like? Squishy? Hard? Lumpy?

If it's hard or lumpy, he needs oil to help the contents break up and go down. If he has a squishy crop in the morning, which is rare for roosters, he could be struggling with a yeast condition.

 

[Sunshine Flock]

Thank you!

And I keep forgetting about the crop versus the "stomach."

Heck, I still don't know where their ears are located.

 

[azygous]

Ears are hidden behind secret flaps where you would expect ears to be. Take your finger nail and gently pry forward the finely feathered flap and you'll discover the ear hole.

Tip: all chickens adore having their ears tickled.