4.5 yo Orpington Still Struggling

[Painted Calls]

I have had a few reach 10 or 11, but most have only made it to 7 or 8, and quite a few died earlier. It depends on breeds and what problems they may have had. I had infectious bronchitis virus in the second year, and quite a few suffered from early reproductive issues. I just don’t routinely tube feed sick birds. I will try everything to get one to eat, and make them comfy, but that is just the way I prefer.

And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. I'm sorry about the bronchitis.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Updated poop pic (because who doesn't like those?):

 

[Aunt Angus]

Heating the Pedialyte now.

 

[Painted Calls]

Updated poop pic (because who doesn't like those?):
View attachment 3360739

Poo looks great.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Poo looks great.

I just gave her the warm Pedialyte. That was so much easier than I expected. I set the time for an hour for her next round.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Round 2 of Pedialyte is done. I will start the formula in about an hour. How much should I start with? Kathy's instructions day 10-14mL per pound, so that would be 37-51.8mL. Would it be safe to start at 25 or 30? I don't want to overdo it, esp since I'm so new at this.

 

[Painted Calls]

Round 2 of Pedialyte is done. I will start the formula in about an hour. How much should I start with? Kathy's instructions day 10-14mL per pound, so that would be 37-51.8mL. Would it be safe to start at 25 or 30? I don't want to overdo it, esp since I'm so new at this.

If it's this late, try 30 to get your feet wet. Keep a close eye on her crop. There's a little indentation in the "neck" of the crop where it tapers at the esophagus. I like to fill to just below that indentation. No higher. As long as it's not getting too big, and you've still got that bit of wiggle room, you're doing okay.

Blue line is that indentation. Turquoise is my personal cut-off point.

 

[Aunt Angus]

If it's this late, try 30 to get your feet wet. Keep a close eye on her crop. There's a little indentation in the "neck" of the crop where it tapers at the esophagus. I like to fill to just below that indentation. No higher. As long as it's not getting too big, and you've still got that bit of wiggle room, you're doing okay.

Blue line is that indentation. Turquoise is my personal cut-off point.
View attachment 3360873

I did 25 (minus what's in the tube) just to be safe. It seemed to go ok, and her crop seems comfortably full.

That pic is very helpful. You explain it perfectly! I was able to feel where those things are/should be.

She is panting a little. Does that mean anything went wrong?

Also, she was walking, and it appears her left leg is much weaker than her right. Idk if that's significant, either. Just putting down my observations.

I will weigh her first thing in the morning. Will there be any weight gain in that short of time?

 

[Painted Calls]

I did 25 (minus what's in the tube) just to be safe. It seemed to go ok, and her crop seems comfortably full.

That pic is very helpful. You explain it perfectly! I was able to feel where those things are/should be.

She is panting a little. Does that mean anything went wrong?

Also, she was walking, and it appears her left leg is much weaker than her right. Idk if that's significant, either. Just putting down my observations.

I will weigh her first thing in the morning. Will there be any weight gain in that short of time?

Yay! I'm glad it was easy to understand. I try my best to explain it in a way that's easy to feel and picture.

May just be from stress. Is she too warm?

Go by empty crop weight, but yes. It's possible for small gains overnight. With only 25mls, I'd be looking more for sustaining rather than gaining though. As long as she's not losing, she's winning. Gains can be made gradually. Sick birds lose weight rapidly. Keep offering mash and cooked egg, etc between tube feedings. I'll be back in the morning to check on her weight status!

 

[micstrachan]

Updated poop pic (because who doesn't like those?):
View attachment 3360739

Not bad! Still a bit green, but looks healthy otherwise.