Chicken Ascites and Poking Myself with a Needle

[DanAndQuails]

Hi, wonderful Backyard Chickens Community.

I feel guilty because I feel like I only come here with problems and wish I contributed more.

Tonight was not great. I was draining my 8.5 year old hen’s (Alice) ascites and was having trouble doing the draw (not sure if I hit a vein or what, poor girl) and accidentally jabbed myself with the bloody needle. Alice is doing just fine, but I could use some tips on how to do a successful fluid draw every time.

Also, should I be concerned about the needle jab to myself? It did break the skin. So I am worried. Clearly I am not having the best time here. Thank you all in advance.

 

[SmiYa0126]

Hi, wonderful Backyard Chickens Community.

I feel guilty because I feel like I only come here with problems and wish I contributed more.

Tonight was not great. I was draining my 8.5 year old hen’s (Alice) ascites and was having trouble doing the draw (not sure if I hit a vein or what, poor girl) and accidentally jabbed myself with the bloody needle. Alice is doing just fine, but I could use some tips on how to do a successful fluid draw every time.

Also, should I be concerned about the needle jab to myself? It did break the skin. So I am worried. Clearly I am not having the best time here. Thank you all in advance.

Hello! Did your wound bleed? I would clean it disinfect it and cover it with a bandaid.

I'm sorry I can't help with ascites, I haven't had to do that.

 

[Eggcessive]

Clean and disinfect your needle stab. Watch for any signs of infection at the site including redness, swelling, or pain. Here in post 42 is a good shot of someone draining a chicken with ascites:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/laying-hens-with-water-belly-or-ascites.68731/page-5

 

[SarahGfa]

if the fluid doesn't come out easily, it could be egg peritonitis. It's thicker with solids mixed in. hard to draw that stuff out. Ascites comes out like water, just poke a hole and let it drip.

 

[Sammster]

Clean and disinfect your needle stab. Watch for any signs of infection at the site including redness, swelling, or pain. Here in post 42 is a good shot of someone draining a chicken with ascites:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/laying-hens-with-water-belly-or-ascites.68731/page-5

I've seen this video, before. It's detailed and helpful.. This woman is very kind and gentle.