Crop problems

[guest]

This kestrel is suddenly streching his neck out and moving it back and forth, side to side and working his shoulders like food is lodged or he's having crop issues, but I haven't actually seen an obstruction. This behavior is not isolated to feeding time. He seems to eat OK (fresh whole sparrows/mice), weight remains stable (keeping him on the creace & a little higher than optimal flight weight until this is resolved), mutes look alright, but I'm concerned as this is a new behavior. Thoughts?

[Ooby]

Does the bird have a crop on it when this occurs?
Is there an OBVIOUS smell coming from the birds head area? May suggest sour crop.

It may just be the bird stretching and moving about...

I really don't know what to say on this issue. Eddie will be of more help.

Follow the golden rule though, when in doubt, call the vet. All it will cost you is a phone call. If you don't, it could cost you the bird.

[Master Yarak]

This could be a normal behavior so do not be too concerned. I would contact your sponsor and your vet just to be sure.
Yarak

[Guest]

You guys are quick. I appreciate that. There's no obvious smell at this time. I'll tell my spons.

[Master Yarak]

Let us know how it works out. Others with a similar problem could benefit. So become a member.
Yarak

[Bob Dale]

I've watched Buzz do that motion while cropping her up. Most likely, the bird is packing her crop... kinda like gulping. They make that weird serpentine movement and then they start eating again. Is that what's happening?

[Falcon Boy]

My last RT would do that when being fed a really large meal, he would move his head around, shoulders, everything try to make room for more food LOL. [thats what im assuming he was doing it for anyways...]

[Passage Flyer]

Yep. He's doing a sepentine movement. He seems to be doing just fine, so I'm not too worried. Thanks all.

[BubbaGum]

Passage Flyer was he "putting over his crop"? Some birds want immediate satisfaction and "put over" food at the time of feeding. Which looks like they are trying to wiggle their own heads off. My HH does this. Both of my redtails and my Kbird did not.

[Passage Flyer]

Yep, he was.