CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF CHICKENS

In Part 9 of our Health and Well Being of the Chicken Flock series discussed those conditions that may cause problems for a chicken by affecting its gut.

In Part 10 we discuss various conditions that may affect the digestive system of a chicken, how to detect the signs/symptoms and what, if anything, can be done about the condition(s).

CONDITIONS THAT AFFECT THE DIGESTIVE SYSTEM OF CHICKENS

Impacted Crop

The crop forms part of the oesophagus or food pipe. The crop is located around the base of the neck and if you gently push on it you can sometimes feel the contents of it. It is here where the first stages of digestion start.

The impaction of the crop is generally caused by something the bird has swallowed that is not digestible to it.

This can include feathers, fruits skins, pips, certain grasses, artificial grasses, string and even hay. They may even accidentally swallow coins, plastic or metal objects.

There are also various deformity or issues that have been caused by a disease that could cause the bird’s normal food to impact the crop.

The best way to treat this delicate issue to seek advice from the vet. They will need to find out if there is not an underlying cause for this other than having swallowed a coin or piece of plastic.

Oral Canker

This is a form of fowl pox. The wet pox version and is also usually referred to as yellow canker lesions. These lesions from within the throat and inner mouth regions of the chickens. They usually start out looking like tiny white spots and then merge together forming a more raised patch. These patches turn yellow and look like cheese stuck in the bird’s mouth. See Part 12 of this series for more information on Oral canker.

Sour Crop

Is a yeast infection caused by a Candida species of fungi? This can be caused by the use of ant-biotic, malnutrition, stress and the use of corticosteroids. Some chickens will get it after having been treated for some disease or other whereby they had to be on antibiotics and a diet different to the norm.

The vet will usually prescribe anti-fungal and some immunity strengthening medications and or supplements for the infected chicken.

END OF PART 10

This is the end of Part 10 of our “Health and Wellbeing of the chicken Flock” series.

Part 11 of the series is about the conditions that can affect the nervous system of chickens.