Poultry Sour Crop: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Keeping chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it's important for poultry owners to be aware of potential health issues that may affect their feathered friends. One such concern is sour crop, a condition that can impact a chicken's digestive system and be a serious cause of death if not treated immediately. In this article, we'll explore what sour crop is, its causes, symptoms, and how to treat it.

"Sour crop" is a term describing a health issue in chickens where a part of their digestive system, called the crop, gets swollen and infected. The crop acts like a pouch at the base of their neck, storing and moistening food before it moves through the digestive tract.

This condition is caused by a yeast infection from a bacteria called Candida albicans, the same one that causes 'thrush' in babies.

Normally, Candida is in chickens without causing problems, but issues arise when it grows too much, thickening the crop wall and enlarging the crop. This disrupts the natural bacteria in the crop, leading to digestion problems.

As a result, the chicken can't properly empty its stomach, causing a blockage. If this continues, the chicken loses weight and might even die.

Sour crop can occur when there is a disruption in the normal balance of microorganisms in the crop. Several factors can contribute to this imbalance, leading to the development of sour crop. Some common causes include:

1. Spoiled or Moldy Feed
   Chickens, like any animals, can be sensitive to the quality of their food. Consuming spoiled or moldy feed can introduce harmful bacteria or yeast into the crop, triggering inflammation.
   
   
2. Overeating/Snacking
   Chickens may sometimes overeat, especially if there's an abundance of food available. For example, allowing your feeders to get empty and then filling them up can cause your chickens to gorge when they eat because of the “feast or famine” survival instinct.
   
   Overindulging in treats, even healthy ones, can create an imbalance in the digestive system that may create the conditions that make your chickens susceptible to sour crop. Excessive intake and sudden changes in diet can overwhelm the digestive system, leading to sour crop.
   
   
3. Digestive Issues
   Certain digestive problems in chickens, such as a slow crop or blockages, can contribute to the development of sour crop. These issues may hinder the normal flow of food through the digestive tract.

Sour crop and impacted crop are related and often show similar signs, but their treatment is very different. If left untreated, sour crop can evolve into impacted crop. Recognizing the symptoms of sour crop is crucial for early detection and prompt treatment. Keep an eye out for the following signs:

• Regurgitation
  Chickens with sour crop may regurgitate their food. This can be observed as the bird spitting up undigested material.
  
  
• Bad Breath
  An unpleasant odor from a chicken's mouth can indicate sour crop. The fermentation of food in the crop produces gases that contribute to bad breath.

If you suspect that your chicken has sour crop, it's essential to take prompt action. Here are steps you can take to treat sour crop:

• Isolate the Chicken
  Separate the affected chicken from the flock to reduce environmental stress and to monitor its condition closely.
  
  
• Withhold Food
  Temporarily stop giving the chicken any food. This allows the crop to empty and reduces the strain on its digestive system.
  
  
• Provide Water
  Make sure the chicken has access to clean water. Hydration is important for recovery.
  
  
• Crop Massage
  Gently massaging the crop can help move the contents along the digestive tract. Be cautious and gentle to avoid causing additional stress to the bird.

• Treat with Yogurt
  Feed the chicken plain yogurt with live cultures. The probiotics in the yogurt can help balance the crop's microbial environment.
  
  
• Antifungal Medication
  Consult with a veterinarian who may recommend antifungal medication to specifically target and eliminate the Candida infection.
  
  
• Monitor and Gradual Feeding
  Keep a close eye on the chicken's progress. Once it shows improvement, gradually reintroduce a light and easily digestible diet.
  
  
• Supportive Care
  Provide supportive care to your chicken, including maintaining a comfortable and clean environment. Keep the bird warm and hydrated during the recovery period.
  
  
• Vet Consultation
  In serious situations, when a chicken cannot empty its’ crop, there may be a need for a procedure to empty and flush it. This treatment should only be performed by a veterinarian because if done incorrectly, it could be fatal for the bird.
  
  A veterinarian can also provide a thorough examination and may prescribe medications to address the underlying microbial imbalance.