Why does my young cockatiel have a hard crop?

How long has it been this way? Are you still feeding it the baby formula as well as the seed? If it eats seeds ok on it's own the "several times a day" feedings of any wet food should slowly be reduced to a few (day-time) feedings only. Now is the time to start introducing some green foods. Steamed broccoli, cooked frozen peas (a must!), kale, bib or romaine lettuces, squash, shredded carrots, apples, pears, melons, and sprouted seeds and grains*. Pellets can be fruity flavored or not and tiny, and may be easier to feed. (No avocado, onion, cabbage or olives. These are toxic. Little spinach if ever, it's an iron thing). These* are soft foods can help to not pack the crop. They may be a bit timid by this new food, but they will figure it out. It is important to teach them about this stuff now or they will not like it much later. They will eat what they like, like any other fussy child. Organic baby food, no sugar, is a good way to give her some fruits and veggies, as a treat, (in moderation). Fresh is always best. Now, If she poops normally and it is regular, it is probably engorging itself. This is common. As long as the food passes eventually, it should be fine. BUT, Impaction can happen if you feed it too much. Some young birds stuff themselves to the point that they have to have their crop manipulated. You obviously had your hand there to see that the crop was distended and hard. Give her enough CLEAN water, and hold off on the food till the crop goes down. This will tell you if it is being a little greedy at the lunch counter or if there may be an impaction. It is not unusual for a young bird to stuff down! It is your place to be sure it does not do this too much. If it doesn't go down in about an hour or two, then keep an eye on it. If it is still impacted you can VERY GENTLY manipulate the crop and move the seeds a bit. GENTLY!!!!!!! If you are not sure what to do, then you can call your vet. You have one don't you? I always recommend you have an avian vet chosen, 24 hr. vet better, and keep it by the phone for emergencies. This will keep you from being flustered when you need one in a hurry. Simple as a few phone calls and it's free! Like I said, reducing the feedings will help, a little bit at a time. I hope this will help. There are many others on this site, that I admire, who will also give great answers. Any practical and good advice is a learning tool! Look up great videos on You Tube too. Free lessons! I hope this will help and your bird is not too stuffed. If still in doubt, see the vet!