7h • General discussion
🎒 Understanding Crop Function: Normal vs. Abnormal Conditions
Ever felt that squishy pouch on your chicken’s chest and wondered what it is? That’s the crop - and understanding it can help you catch problems early!
What IS the Crop?
A thin-walled, expandable pouch at the base of the neck where food is temporarily stored and moistened before moving to the stomach. Think of it as a “lunch box” for later digestion!
NORMAL Crop Function:
☀️Morning: Empty and flat (food processed overnight)
✨Evening: Full and rounded (storing day’s food)
🐥Feel: Soft, squishy, like a partially-filled water balloon
🐤Normal crops empty in 12-24 hours. You should be able to feel food/grain through the skin.
ABNORMAL Conditions:
IMPACTED CROP (Crop Bound)
🐓Full, hard, doesn’t empty overnight
🐓Feels like a dough ball
🐓Caused by: long fibrous material (grass, hay, strings), dehydration, lack of grit
SOUR CROP (Candidiasis)
🐔Squishy but doesn’t empty
🐔Foul smell from mouth
🐔May vomit or have fluid slosh
🐔Caused by: yeast/fungal overgrowth
PENDULOUS CROP
🐤 Chronically stretched, hangs low
🐤 From repeated impactions
Treatment Approaches:
For Impaction:
🐓Massage gently to break up contents
🐓Offer water, withhold food temporarily
🐓Separate from flock
🐓May require veterinary intervention if severe
For Sour Crop:
🐔Antifungal medication (veterinary guidance needed! I’m happy to jump on a telehealth call)
🐔Probiotics after treatment
🐔Address underlying cause
Prevention:
✓ Provide grit always
✓ Fresh water available
✓ Avoid long, stringy materials
✓ Limit scratch/treats
When to See a Vet:
Crop issues can be life-threatening! Seek help if no improvement in 24 hours. Again, I’m happy to jump on a telehealth call. Just DM me.
Your turn:
❓Ever had a chicken with a crop issue that resolved itself, or did you have to intervene? 🩺
❓Do you do regular crop checks or only when something seems off? 🔍
1
3 comments
🎒 Understanding Crop Function: Normal vs. Abnormal Conditions
skool.com/thehealthycoopcollective
Vet-led community for backyard poultry keepers. Dr. Nisana, DVM, provides expert guidance on flock health, disease prevention, nutrition, & wellness.
Leaderboard (30-day)
1
+28
2
🔥
+19
3
+12
4
+7
5
+6
Powered by