Chicken swallowed a garden tag!!!

[cnnipper76]

Hello,

I’m new to the forum and a bit in a panic so sorry if I’m breaking any community rules....

I’ve had a small flock of hens since this summer. One of my girls swallowed a garden tag and the plastic is lodged in her throat. I’ve tried to pull it out but it’s really jammed in there and I’m just hurting her worse by pulling. I called the vet and they’re going to charge $60 just to look at her (then they’ll tell me how much it will cost to get it out ). My husband is furloughed and we just don’t have the money for that right now. Anyway, what can I do?? I’ve given her some wet food that she’s eaten and fresh water but I don’t know how else to help her. I’m worried I might have to put her down if I can’t get the tag out. My husband gets home on Sunday, so I’m hoping the two of us can get it out together. I feel so awful for her. I can’t just let her suffer.

 

[cnnipper76]

It’s the little white piece sticking out of her mouth but the part in her throat is really big. I have her in my garage, separated from the flock.

 

[Crazy for Chickens!]

I'm not going to suggest doing this, because I don't know what would happen. But,
Is it possible that when you pull on it, it's just a gag reflex.that makes her move? Or do you think it's hurting her? I suppose the sides of it could be scratching her throat. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to just pull it out, but I don't know. Maybe you could hold her mouth open and have someone kind of wiggle it around and carefully remove it. How long was it? How far down do you think it's lodged? Sorry I'm not much help.

 

[staceyj]

What fit in, must fit out

If it was in the crop it would be a fairly simple procedure to remove, but the problem is it probably can’t get there without cutting the esophagus open on the way there.

Wrap her in a towel, snug.
Al the way up to and including her head, so only her mouth is exposed.
Do you have any forceps. Or small pliers? The locking kind?
If so get a grip on the part that’s protruding and if you have a helper have them support that so it doesn’t pull.

Then pinch the wattles together right up at he base of the chin. Pull down. If you do this, it should relax the bottom of the jaw and let you see what you’re dealing with in there without the possibility of it somehow slipping down. It may even dislodge it.

If you actually put your finger in her throat for a second it also might expand it enough for your helper that’s holding the edge to pull it out.

Remember She can’t hurt you. And you are trying to help her.

 

[ChickNanny13]

staceyj came up with a good plan but be prepared with flashlight and that extra pair of hands, wrap that towel tight & hopefully it'll come out
Keep us updated

 

[staceyj]

If you use one hand to pinch the wattles and the other to maneuver the upper beak, your helper might be able to get it out if they rotate the clamp in a counterclockwise motion it might “spin” right out.
*Also please be mindful of the tongue.

 

[staceyj]

staceyj came up with a good plan but be prepared with flashlight and that extra pair of hands, wrap that towel tight & hopefully it'll come out
Keep us updated

This is definitely a “call for reinforcements” situation.

I’m think two, three people for sure.
One just to be the designated holder.

 

[staceyj]

A headlamp would be very useful here.

 

[Abriana]

staceyj gave some excellent advice! I'm following, please keep us updated!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Yes, headlamp works GREAT, frees up extra hands.