CAGE'N BIRD

by Wanda Barras

SLOW CROP / SOUR CROP

low crop or crop stasis [shut-down] are conditions in baby birds in which food does not move normally from the crop down into the digestive system. The crop, which is quite visible on un-feathered babies, is an extension of the esophagus extending from just below the jaw to just above the breast bone. Its main function is the storage of food, which moves from the crop down the digestive tract to the stomach and into the intestines.

The crop is highly visible in parrot chicks, which makes it possible in some instances, for crop related illness to be easily detected. When food does not pass down into the fore stomach (proventriculus) at a normal rate it is an indication of some form of digestive disorder. Crop disorders can range from a minor "upset stomach" to actual crop dysfunction, generalized gut problems and disease. Crop stasis may or may not be disease related. It is important that a bird be examined to determine if a medical or management problem caused the infection. Lack of knowledge of basic hand-feeding principals and inexperience are major causes of crop infection. These infections are almost always due to a lack of good hygiene and poor management practices .

• Stress
• Antibiotic therapy
• Formula inconsistencies
• Nutritional deficiencies (particularly vit. A)
• Incorrect brooder or formula temperatures
• Improper feeding
• Fungal and bacterial infections
• Ingestion of bedding or other foreign bodies

Yeast, fungus and bacterial disorders of the crop may be secondary infections which can be brought about by crop stasis or can cause crop stasis. Simply, bacteria and fungus can cause crop stasis and crop stasis can lead to bacterial and fungal infections. The longer undigested formula remains in the crop, the more likely a secondary microbial infection will occur. Whether the infection is primary, or secondary to some other cause, it must be dealt with quickly. When a crop fails to empty, the undigested food can "stagnate" or sour. This may result in infections caused by yeast, fungus or bacteria. Causing a fungual infection such as candidiasis (caused by the fungus Candida albicans) or a bacterial infection. Most breeders are familiar with Candida and Geotrichum (difficult to diagnose) which is also a yeast. Secondary infections are potentially dangerous and more difficult to treat. A quick and accurate diagnosis and treatment of crop stasis can prevent a more severe and complicated secondary crop infection.

RECOGNIZING A HEALTHY CROP

It is important to be familiar the workings of a healthy crop. Only by knowing what is normal is it possible to recognize abnormalities. A healthy crop contains natural enzymes and beneficial bacteria which breaks down food and passes it down through the GI tract to the stomach and finally the gizzard. Physical examination of a healthy crop should reveal a rounded structure which extends slightly backwards to the right side of the neck, parallel to the trachea. Babies have very large crops compared to older birds. A chick’s crop is notisably more elastic and will hold about twice as much food as the crop of an adult of the same species. Crop shapes and capacities differ between species and sometimes between individuals of the same species. Become aware of these differences and familiarize yourself with the norms of each species. For example, Macaw and cockatiel crops are typically more pendulous than tighter Eclectus and Lovebird crops.

A crop should be routinely palpated. Check contents for volume, consistency and abnormalities. When hand-feeding a healthy chick, the crop should be filled to approximately 3/4 full. It should feel firm but not tight. It should be full but not so full that it is seeping up the neck. Over-filling a crop can lead to crop stasis. It is better to feed a little less and more often than too much infrequently.

Close observation of a healthy crop will show subtle signs of contractions. The smooth muscle in the crop wall periodically contracts, causing waves of movement that can be seen from the crop's exterior. Most species’ crops will contract downward from the throat toward the crop. Unusual rates and force of these contractions are often present in crop dysfunction. Either crop hyper or hypo motility [movements too rapid or slow] can occur. Definite rates have not been established for each species but 1-2 contractions should be seen per minute in a crop partially filled with food.

DETECTING CROP PROBLEMS

A potential crop disorder can be detected by monitoring the rate of digestion of food through the crop. If a crop dysfunction is suspected, thoroughly examine the crop, feeling for any abnormalities such as foreign bodies, food clumps, abscesses, or fibrous tissue from old burns. Foreign bodies will need to be physically removed and/or treated. An excess of air, or fluid (crop will seem puffy) in the crop can indicate a fungal or yeast disorder. Another indication of crop dysfunction is the condition and color of the skin overlying the crop. This area should be closely examined for discoloration which may indicate crop burn, infection or both.

Inaccurate Diagnosis And Treatment Can Cause Death...

A thorough examination of the crop is very important to accurate diagnosis, and treatment. With any crop disorder, inaccurate diagnosis and inappropriate treatment can mean death. Treating an infection without knowing the organisms involved is risky; a yeast infection can be encouraged by treating indiscriminately with over-the-counter antibiotics. If you are not familiar with the different types of crop infections and crop burn, or if a fungal or a bacterial infection is suspected, do not attempt to treat the infection blindly. If you do not have the experience or expertise please visit your avian veterinarian. He is trained and qualified to deal with avian pediatric problems.

The most dreaded moment when handfeeding is realizing a chick’s crop has slowed or shut down. Usually there is a critical period when the crop slows down before complete stasis occurs. Slow crop or crop stasis require immediate attention. If the condition is dealt with quickly and with a minimum amount of stress, secondary microbial infections can be avoided. It is very important to keep the patient warm. An ill chick usually requires an increase in brooder temperature and supportive therapy. For a chick that is not feathered, temperature should be around 93-94°F. and a little lower at 88-90°F for older chicks. A chick’s body language will indicate if he is hot or cold. Lower or raise temperature accordingly.

DEHYDRATION COMMON

There are a number of successful treatments recommended for slow crop. Usually the simplest treatments are the most successful. Complete crop evacuation should always be a last resort. This procedure is often unnecessary and can be stressful and dangerous if done on a whim. Other treatments are more satisfactory and can prove to be more effective. Crop evacuation is warranted, when other less invasive treatments fail. Crop evacuation should only be attempted by one with experience or a qualified veterinarian.

A completely shut down crop can lead to fast deterioration in the health of a young chick. When a crop slows down it should never be ignored. Immediate supportive therapy is required because baby birds’ immune systems develop slowly, making simple digestive problem life-threatening. Any reduction of normal weight gain or poor crop emptying rate in over a 24 hour period must be corrected within the next 48 hours or the baby will be in serious trouble.

During crop stasis, dehydration is likely as the affected chick utilizes moisture from tissues. Avoiding dehydration in an ill chick is a constant challenge. A healthy chick requires 0.16-0.2ml per gram of body weight. Thus, a 75 gram chick would require approximately 13.5ml, (2.5 tsp.) per day just for maintenance.

During Crop Stasis, Dehydration is Likely ...

Some symptoms of dehydration include flaky skin and a darkening of the skin from a healthy pink to almost red. The chick will appear bony and emaciated. Toes will be extremely thin and claw-like. When skin is lightly pinched, it will return to its normal position very slowly. It is important at this time to quickly rehydrate and get nutrients into the baby. Frequent doses of warmed Lactated Ringers [an electrolyte solution sold through veterinarians and some hand-feeding supply companies] fed in small amounts can rehydrate and nourish a weak chick. If crop stasis does occur and is left untreated or is treated improperly, most often chicks slowly dehydrate, weaken and die.

TREATING THE TROUBLED CROP

The first step in treating a simple case of slow crop is, NEVER feed regular or watered down formula to a baby with a slow or shut down crop! This will aggravate the problem. If the crop is slightly sluggish, administering small amounts of warmed Lactated Ringers, Pedialyte, or plain sterile water (a small drop of raw apple cider vinegar added to liquid may prove beneficial) at frequent intervals, will usually return digestion to normal in time for the next scheduled feeding. This remedy is also effective on babies with microbial problems but other treatments or medications may be warranted. For more stubborn cases of crop stasis, crushed papaya tablets or natural papaya juice should be added to a warmed electrolyte solution ---  Lactated Ringers, Ornalyte, Pedialyte or in a pinch try  water--(aproximately 1 papaya tablet to 10 cc liquid or a solution of 1 part liquid to 1/3-1/2 part papaya juice). This will help to break down the undigested crop contents. The secret to this treatment is frequently administering (orally) extremely small amounts (about 1/3 to less then 1/2 of what a normal feeding of formula would be) of the warmed electrolyte solution and papaya solution. It may take all day for a sluggish crop to empty but continue treatment until the crop is void before feeding again. Adding Mardel Lab's Ornabac to the solution has often proved beneficial.

Lactated Ringers, my preferred electrolyte, is a sucrose support, electrolyte-fortified solution which can invigorate dehydrated, weak or ill birds. The Ringers addresses probable dehydration and gives the baby needed nutrients. Papaya is a natural enzyme that will help break down food particles remaining in the crop. When used together dramatic results can be realized in a short time.

In an emergency you can make up your own electrolyte formula from every day kitchen ingredients (Lactated Ringers is preferred but this formula can save a chicks life). To 8 oz. of warm water (about 103 to 105°F), add 1/2 tablespoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoons salt and 1/8 teaspoons baking soda. Mix well. Administer as shown above for Lactated Ringers. This solution can be kept under refrigeration for a few days, but don’t keep too long. (You may want to cut recipe down to smaller amounts)

When the crop is empty the patient should be fed formula of a regular consistency (as suggested on the formula package directions for specific age of baby), in a decreased amount with a little papaya added to smooth mixture and make it more digestible. The first feeding should be about one half to two thirds of the amount of a regular feeding. For example; If you were feeding 10cc when the baby was healthy you should feed approximately 5-6cc of formula for the first feeding after recovery. Slowly increase the amount fed at each feeding until normal crop capacity is reached. In this way the crop is encouraged to regain its normal function. Routinely adding a drop or two of raw apple cider vinegar to your hand-feeding formula has proved beneficial. Raw apple cider vinegar added to hand-feeding formula or birds drinking water will help to establish a more normal pH in the gut, increase acidity and encourage the growth of healthy natural flora.

Through experience I have found it is best NOT to administer a watery formula. The addition of papaya to a formula of normal consistency will naturally make the formula smoother and easier to digest. Feeding formulas of too thin a consistency can sometimes affect normal digestion, making it more difficult to get a recovered chick back on the more nutritious recommended diet. Filling the the crop with very liquid formula can sometimes lead to accidental aspiration. Weak babies are very prone to aspiration either during feeding or from regurgitation. Over-filling the crop of weakened chicks with a watery formula can lead to aspiration if chicks regurgitate, fall over or stumble. As a precaution weakened chicks should always be supported regardless of what formula consistency or medication is administered. Remember all chicks and situations are different. Use common sense and adjust treatment accordingly.

FUNGUS CAUSE OR RESULT OF DISEASE?

It has previously been mentioned that fungus and disease can cause crop stasis and vice-versa. Gram negative bacteria such as E. coli, Klebsiella., and Pseudomonas are commonly considered pathogens and are often associated with disease3 These bacterial infections may upset normal digestive function and cause crop stasis. When fungus, yeast or bacteria is suspected, a veterinary visit is definitely called for, where a series of laboratory tests can be performed. Your veterinarian will obtain a "crop wash," take Gram stains and cultures to determine the cause of illness. He will formulate a plan and prescribe effective treatment. When a microbial condition is suspected, don't treat the illness with, hit-or-miss, over-the-counter antibiotics. Antibiotics given indiscriminately will seriously inhibit successful cultures; tremendously reducing the chances for accurate diagnosis. If bacteria is suspect, the proper anti-microbial will be prescribed by your veterinarian.

It is advisable to routinely administer (orally, not in formula) a good avian-strain lactobacillus (probiotic) when hand-feeding. A probiotic will aid digestion and promote weight gain, especially in times of stress or when using. A probiotic is a live microbial dietary supplement, which beneficially affect the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Antibiotics and other related compounds are not included in this definition. Probiotics are usually included in commercial hand-feeding formulas but are often remedied ineffective or destroyed when hand-feeding formula is heated. That is why administering a probiotic independently is recommended. There are many probiotics on the market, some in gel or powdered form. These can be added directly to hand-feeding formula or soft food. Bird Bene-Bac Gel by Pet Ag is a probiotic I use here. I prefer the gel, as a measured amount can easily be put into the babies’ beak. Whatever commercial probiotic you choose be sure to read and follow directions. Lactobacillus replaces the bacteria normally manufactured in the gut of the parent bird supplied to the baby through regurgitation. Probiotics aid digestion and encourages healthy micro-flora thus inhibiting unhealthy fungal and bacteria growth within the digestive system.

PREVENTION BEST CURE

In the absence of disease, crop stasis is rare to nonexistent. Good management and hygiene practices, while following fundamental hand-feeding principles, will help to prevent crop disorders. Proper sanitation and disinfection of brooders and hand-feeding utensils is a must. Everyone who hand-feeds will at one time or another encounter a form of crop dysfunction. It is best to be prepared. The treatments and remedies described in this article are safe, have no adverse side effects, and most importantly, work very quickly. When treating a chick with crop stasis or any illness use common sense and administer medications with caution.

                                 For more info on Candida click here:   

Detecting and Dealing With Candida

3 Psittacine Pediatrics Proceedings of the Ass’n of Avian Veterinariens, Clubb and Clubb

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Genetian Violet-GV-11(Noremco)

"Available as a powder or solution (1.6%-16mg/ml) for oral administration. Can be used to treat gastrointestinal candidiasis that is resistant to nystatin. Acts as a drying agent, which may be helpful in treating moist dermatitis. Will stain clothing, feathers and hands."......Ritchie, Harrison & Harrison---Avian Medicine: Principles and Application

Copyright © 2001 Wanda Barras. All Rights reserved. WWW users are granted the right to download a single copy of this catalog and Mrs. Barras articles for archival on electronic media and/or conversion into a single printed copy for personal use. All commercial or educational use or reproduction of this material is strictly prohibited. It may not otherwise be reprinted or recopied, in whole or in part, in any form or medium, without express written permission of Wanda Barras.

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