[sussexchook]

hi there could someone please tell me how do I deal with a compacted crop as a couple of mine have quite firm crops and Im sure its not supposed to feel like that

[ANHBUC]

There is information on HERE on how to treat it.

Best to check their crops on a morning though as you might find that they are empty/nearly empty then.  It would only be impacted if they are still full on a morning.   

[ehs284]

As mentioned in the link posted by ANHBUC, white maggots are often used. These have worked well for us and we usually make them the first port of call as you can't do any harm.

[sussexchook]

do you have to hand feed the maggots to the hens or do I just put them in a dish for them

[ANHBUC]

They will usually gobble them up without you having to feed them.  Try and get the white maggots and not the coloured ones (fishing bait shops often use colourings) as they may not eat those.

[sussexchook]

ok thanks very much I will go and buy some maggots tomorrow