A bird's crop is a pouchlike enlargement, or diverticulum, of a bird's esophagus located at the base of the neck, in which food is stored or partially digested. Crop stasis is a condition in which the crop fails to empty at a normal rate.

Normally, ingested food moves from the crop through the thoracic esophagus, to the first stomach, called the proventriculus. From there, it moves to the second stomach, the ventriculus, then through the intestines. Movement of food through the entire gastrointestinal tract is controlled by highly coordinated waves of contractions, called peristalsis. Disruption of peristalsis can prevent food from moving through the intestinal tract.

Obstruction of the intestinal tract at any point can also prevent food from moving. If the bird continues to eat (or is force fed) in the face of gastrointestinal tract obstruction or stasis, food will eventually back up into the crop.

There are many causes of crop stasis. A few of the most common include:

Obstruction – ingested foreign objects or neoplasia (tumors)

Viral diseases – especially proventricular dilatation disease

Bacterial infection - occurring anywhere in the intestinal tract

Fungal infection - in the crop or proventriculus

Metabolic diseases – liver disease, pancreatitis

Improper feeding formula – in young, unweaned birds

Neonatal birds that are being hand-fed a feeding formula may develop crop stasis due to improper temperature of the formula (too hot or too cold), improper consistency of the formula (too thick or thin), or environmental problems, such as a cold temperature or low humidity. Consult the instructions on the commercial hand-rearing formula to for proper heating and mixing instructions. Be sure that the environmental humidity remains between 55 percent and 75 percent, with temperatures appropriate to the age of the chicks. If feeding practices and environmental concerns are correct and the crop is still not emptying at a normal rate, seek veterinary attention. Crop stasis in adult birds should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

What to Watch For

Vomiting, regurgitation or diarrhea

Overdistension of the crop

Listlessness or lethargy - excessive sleepiness, ruffled feathers, tucking the head under the wing. These symptoms warrant an immediate visit to the veterinarian. Birds that are too weak to stay on a perch are in critical condition.

Decreased appetite in adult birds

Lack of a feeding response (bobbing or begging) in baby birds

Diagnosis

The veterinarian will recommend specific diagnostic tests depending on several factors, like the duration of crop stasis, whether the crop is emptying slowly or not emptying at all, the age of the bird and other symptoms that are present. To find the cause of crop stasis in adult birds extensive diagnostic testing is usually required.

A complete history is extremely helpful in reaching a diagnosis. Be prepared to tell your veterinarian when you first noticed a slow-down in crop emptying, the type and consistency of feeding formula, and if other symptoms are present. Additionally describe your bird's chewing habits and note any potential exposure to other birds.

Diagnostic testing your veterinarian may perform include:                

A thorough physical examination

Sampling the crop and/or feces for bacterial culture and cytology (looking at cell types for evidence of infection or inflammation)

A complete blood count (CBC) and serum biochemistry panel

Radiography (X-Rays) to look evidence of intestinal disease, size and density of the liver, kidneys or other organs

Endoscopy – viewing the intestinal tract an endoscope to collect samples for biopsy or culture

Treatment

Treatment for crop stasis may include any combination of:

Hospitalization for intravenous or subcutaneous (under the skin) fluids and injectable medications for critically ill or dehydrated birds

Antibiotics or antifungal medications

Medications to protect the intestinal tract or alter the motility of the intestinal tract

Surgery or endoscopy to relieve intestinal obstructions

Home Care

If the gastrointestinal tract is functioning properly, the crop of a normal adult bird should empty at a regular rate. Generally, the crop remains relatively small and not noticeable by most bird owners. If you notice a swelling on the neck just before the entrance to the thorax, and the swelling does not decrease in size or disappear after a few hours, consult your veterinarian.

The crop in neonatal or baby birds is much more noticeable, since it is larger than an adult's crop and it does not have the same covering of feathers. The crop should empty at a steady pace following feeding. If the crop is not emptying at a normal rate, make sure the temperature and consistency of the food is correct, and that the bird is housed at the proper environmental temperature and humidity. If the crop is not emptying properly following theses measures, seek veterinary attention.

After seeing your veterinarian, be sure to:

Give all medication as directed, for as long as directed, even after the symptoms appear to be gone.

Watch for a change in the droppings, or the development of vomiting, regurgitation and report any changes to your veterinarian.

If improvement is not seen, report this to your veterinarian.