My Sapphire Gem hen, Chloe, had a partial crop obstruction. It was very large and hard and initially it was thought that surgery may be the only option. However, my veterinarian supported a non-surgical plan prior to proceeding with surgery. With her guidance, we provided medication twice daily (antibiotic and a motility medication), small, frequent meals (exact food recommended by the veterinarian) water, and massage throughout the day. However, she also highly recommended that I purchase the Birdy Bra from Crazy K Farm Pet and Poultry. She even brought up the website, to show me, during our visit.
I purchased this on Amazon but Tobi, the Founder of Crazy K Farm, reached out to me to let me that she was managing the order, which was incredibly helpful, I relayed the urgency of the situation and she assured me that she would get this to me as soon as possible.
I ordered a few of them but read that, for an obstruction, the tie-on was the best style. My hen, who did not like being held prior to this issue, sat on my lap while I put this on her. That said, you may need help from someone when first putting it on. I also watched the instructional video, a few times, which was very helpful and used the method of putting it under Chloe’s wings and through her legs. Albeit she did not relish walking in it initially but she was crated during this time and she did get used to it.
I reached out to Tobi, several times, with questions and she was incredibly helpful and responsive. I felt like I had great support from her on the use and expectations of this item. I would recommend ordering directly from Crazy K Farm because there are different styles and sizes and Tobi can help guide which to purchase and answer any questions.
After continued veterinarian oversight (two weeks) we were nearing a place when we thought surgery may be still indicated, when the obstruction started to resolve. It took approximately three weeks to resolve fully but we were able to avert surgery. I told my veterinarian and Tobi; I feel strongly that the Birdy Bra was an integral factor with the obstruction resolving. The Birdy Bra holds the crop in a way that supports and promotes emptying. After Chloe started to wear this, I could feel some slow but gradual movement with the obstruction. To note, once the obstruction resolved, I weaned her from wearing the Bra by keeping it on her only at night and then gradually keeping it off, after she had transitioned back onto her regular diet, again under the direction of the veterinarian.
I cannot say enough about this product or how responsive, kind, and helpful Tobi is. When I told Tobi that it had resolved and I was reintegrating Chloe into her small flock, she shared her happiness and relief in hearing this.
I would highly recommend this product, along with management from an avian veterinarian and of course support, from Tobi, as needed. I am attaching a picture of Chloe wearing the gray flannel tie-on, in a medium size. Thank you so much Tobi and Crazy K Farm Pet and Poultry and Chloe thanks you too!!
