Sour Crop in the Neonate
Written for NCS - 1988
by Robert A. Irmiger, DVM
and David McCluggage, DVM
Boulder, CO
Copyright Notice & Disclaimer
Statement
Sour Crop or crop
binding is a general term given to a host of problems that can cause slow
crop emptying or total lack of movement of crop contents. The most common
symptoms are a noticeably full crop at the time of the next handfeeding or
young birds that are failing to thrive in the nest. The causes of sour
crop can be divided into primary and secondary categories.
Primary disorders would be those which involve the crop directly.
Parents feeding the your wood chips, corn cob, or see hulls can cause a
foreign body obstruction. Watching the parents or eliminating these items
from the cages is an easy solution should the problem arise. Overfeeding
can distend the crop beyond its ability to effectively move the contents
down the intestinal tract. To avoid this problem feed a moderate amount of
food more frequently until you have a feel for the amount that the
youngsters can handle and be sure the crop is empty before the next
feeding. The inexperienced parent can also overfeed her youngsters, so do
not assume that a parent raising young will not make mistakes. Burning of
the crop can occur by feeding foods that are too hot especially those
warmed in a microwave. The injury can be mild or cause an open wound to
the outside to develop. Stirring the formula after heating and checking
the temperature (ideal 98-104 degrees) should prevent this problem.
Secondary disorders are those internal or external factors that affect
the crop by influencing other bodily functions and occur more frequently
than primary causes. Environmental temperature, if too low, will delay
crop emptying by causing a generalized weakness. Any condition be it
infection or obstruction in the lower digestive tract can affect the crop
by slowing total digestive system motility. Most systemic illnesses, for
example liver disease or respiratory disease will also slow digestion.
Preventing crop disorders is much easier than identifying and treating
the problem. Experience and consulting reference materials or other
aviculturists will ward off most problems. The crop should be observed
carefully to be sure that it empties between feedings. The normal crop
content feels like pea soup. Should a problem arise consult an avian
veterinarian to determine the best way to proceed. In simple cases of crop
binding adding water to the crop and massaging the contents may be all
that is needed to promote passage. (This would not apply to the bird that
is rapidly deteriorating.) If in several hours there has been no change,
seek professional help. (If the crop content remains in the crop too long,
fermentation of the material will lead to metabolic imbalance and death.)
Massaging the crop content back out the mouth is suggested at times, but
is dangerous and can result in the bird inhaling the crop contents. A
simple surgical procedure can be performed by your avian veterinarian to
remove the crop content and collect samples to determine the cause or rule
out causes of the crop binding. The crop is a relatively simple storage organ of the avian digestive
system. By careful observation of the crop and its function, the cockatiel
breeder will reduce problems associated with it. Note
If the crop slows down during handfeeding, use apple juice
instead of water in the formula or add a small amount of papaya extract
(for digestive enzymes) to the formula. Unlike adding baby food,
applesauce or carrots, the formula's calorie count and protein level isn't
lowered. This methods should only be used by experienced handfeeders.
Inexperienced handfeeders should first contact an avian veterinarian or an
experienced, successful handfeeder to determine the cause of the problem.
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