I have a Blue Orpinton Hen who is acting a bit off - the weather here has been horrible in past weeks but today it's nearly 50 - anyway, she's holed up in a nesting box since dawn this morning - and no egg to show for it. I tried to feel around for her crop but truthfully I don't know what I'm feeling for - so, can any of you veterans give me a quick primer? Much appreciated.
Oh, and my hen is other wise healthy looking - although not 'talking' much today.
Catherine
Impacted Crop?
Well I don't know if this will help but years ago when I bred cockatiels I bought some breeding stock from someone going out of business. One of the females had an impacted crop. Basically what it was is the crop area is over full and possibly gone hard because stuff isn't moving thru. I don't know about chickens crops but I would think if it were over full you'd feel it.
I'm sure someone who knows more will come along soon. Is she eating, did you offer her a little treat to entice her... ??
~Julie
I'm sorry to be of no other help than this, but the "Emergency Room" forum here is very helpful:
http://www.the-coop.org/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi
Thanks julie and zeppy - I felt around where I 'think' her crop is and it seemed ok (not hard or anything) - she's walking around, not wheezing or anything - we'll see I guess.
zeppy - I've been wracking my brain lately to remember this great motel my dh and I stayed at 15 or more years ago in the Shenandoah - not a fancy motel (just road side) but the view was spectacular. I'll be driving through there again the first week of May and sure wish I could remember where it was (Staunton area, maybe??)
Catherine
I'll bet the view has changed! But Staunton's always gorgeous. Dmail me as much of a description as you can and I'll set my dh on it... he knows the area really well. Single story motel?