Impacted Crop

Crop impaction happens when there’s interference with the normal functioning of the crop, meaning it’s partially or completely blocked. If the crop is impacted, you should be able to palpate the crop and feel it full of contents. 

Causes: mostly happens from eating things that are not digestible. Some examples: string, carpets, long blades of grass, feathers, banana skin, straw, wood chips, mulch, shavings, plastic or metal objects. It can happen in birds with muscular contraction issues as the contraction is what controls the movement of food through the crop. An impacted crop can lead to sour crop. 

Diagnosis: enlarged crop, crop not emptying, reduced or smaller droppings, lack of appetite, inactivity, open-mouth breathing, foul odor from mouth, lethargy, pasty vent. The lower half of the crop will feel very hard, not very movable like any liquids are mixed in. Withhold food and water overnight to see if the crop reduces by morning.

Treatment: Isolate the bird and place them in a safe, comfortable location to reduce stress and call your veterinarian. Try a gentle massage of the chicken’s crop. Given that an impacted crop is usually a result of a foreign object ingestion, crop surgery may be the best option for the bird. This can ONLY be performed by a veterinarian.

DO NOT attempt to make the bird throw up or put it upside down – either of these can cause the bird to aspirate.

A “crop bra” contraption may help support the crop for better function and to alleviate some of the stress on the bird.

Reference: https://poultrydvm.com/condition/impacted-crop