HELP - Do i have a poorly hen?

[paula.berriman]

Hi

Hoping someone can help me.

My ex bats are settling in nicely down the allotment but last night i noticed that someone had been down and thrown long grass into the enclosure . Two chooks were running round with bits of grass root hanging from their mouths. They didnt drop them and when i went to get hold of the roots to take them out; an 8" piece of grass was attached to the end which had been stuck down the chickens throat.

This morning one of the girls is not herself and is throwing her head from side to side intermittently. Can anyone tell me what this means? We are giving her the day to get herself sorted but if there has been no change i dont know what to do.

[Polly Fouracre]

Try to get a few drops of olive oil or similar down her, this may help the grass go through.

[Suechooks]

As Polly says some oil or liquid paraffin plus very gentle massage of the crop in a downward direction. Some Ex batts do seem to have a bit of problem with poor elasticity of the crop thus causing some degree of impaction. One of my barn hens has this but seems to cope as long as I keep massaging it. Did try surgery by my vet on a young Black Rock but although the surgery was a success the crop continued to fill up causing her a lot of distress.

[paula.berriman]

Thanks ladies. Ill check on her when i get home tonight and if she is still doing it ill get the olive oil out and see if that helps. I have the mother in law making me some signs asking people not to feed them.

Ill keep you all posted!

[paula.berriman]

Quick update. Got home yesterday and all is well. They were all straight into their afternoon treat of mixed corn and laid 5 beautiful eggs for me.

Im like a worried mother at times!!

[Suechooks]

Quick update. Got home yesterday and all is well. They were all straight into their afternoon treat of mixed corn and laid 5 beautiful eggs for me.

Im like a worried mother at times!!

Good to hear that! We're all like that!!!!!