[jennie hennie]

My bantam cross has been producing the attached 'poos' for the last few days , I've checked her out and she seems ok except her crop isn't emptying totally overnight. Unfortunately they're free ranging and at the moment the lawn is quite long, obviously not mowable at present, unless someones invented a water mower!
Could it be a kidney problem?
 Any ideas ? She's probably about 4yrs old and was still laying inbetween being broody.

[grinling]

are they returning to the feeder or staying under shelter outside. you could keeping them in for a few days and see if the poo changes.
where my bench was, now looks like a no1 cut

[jennie hennie]

She has some layers pellets before going out and comes back for more and will eat corn late afternoon if it's treat day. I've just 'Flubbed' them and they were frontlined last week. 
The paper under her perch is very wet overnight which is not usual. I thought it was general moisture but it's definitely from her with the poo as shown.
??

[Sassy]

It is possible the worming may have caused this. However, if her crop is not emptying overnight it does sound as though there may be a blockage there. The longer a blockage is there it will grow more bacteria and heat up as it starts to break down. You could try your local fishing shop for some undyed maggots -many on here have had success with these. Your hen should love them and they can clear any blockage.

If you feel a blockage is likely I would ask for more help on here as there are folk who may have better solutions

[jennie hennie]

Well, she gobbled up some maggots, not sure how many to give but will see how she is tommorrow and let her have some more!
Thank you Sassy.

[Sassy]

Let us know how she gets on

[jennie hennie]

Her crop seems to have emptied but I can feel some squidgy lumpy bits further down  (not sure they're technical terms  ). It's difficult to tell in this weather as they both have their tails down, she seems perky enough.
Should I let her have any more maggots? 
They've both stopped laying again, who can blame them, although Bluebell is normally broody after her statutory 15/17 eggs.
I'm afraid it's too wet to go out again.

[jennie hennie]

Still no change, she's acting normally, had lots of maggotts for a few days. so the crops empty this morning but the poos are still the same.
Still a bit squidgy underneath .
If she was egg bound would she be trying to lay as she's not going anywhere the nest box.
Reluctant to take her to a vet as she doesn't appear ill  !

[Sassy]

If she was egg bound it is likely she would be feeling quite sorry for herself. However, like us they can deal with things differently . Is she drinking a lot of water?

[jennie hennie]

Difficult to say, she always drinks when she gets up and drinks rainwater from the plants but I haven't noticed her going back to water more than usual.
Could it be a kidney problem?

[jennie hennie]

She's now drinking lots of water from wherever she can source it, but sadly not eating much  She still seems perky so not sure when to call it a day, very reluctant to PTS.
how do you decide ?

[jennie hennie]

Poor Bluebell has been sent to the Henhouse in the sky  She seems to have had lots of growths , possibly cancer.
Will miss her going broody every few weeks!

[Sassy]

So sorry. It is sad when we lose a chook but just remember you did your very best for her