Fox attack - limp neck

[Ursuline Chick]

what you have is used to access the bladder when people or animals can't pee. What you need is called a feeding tube. As a people RN, not sure you can use the urinary cath as a feed tube. Someone with more vet experience may be able to give you better info as far as whether this can be used for feed tube in chicken. good luck, hope you don't need it at all. If she is eating for you, she may not need or want much at first, and I would be concerned about farther damage to neck. Someone more experienced that me chime in please.

 

[casportpony]

I have these items that I purchased a while back when I thought I was going to have to try the tube feeding. Is this the correct thing? I wasn't sure once I rec'd it if it was right. Glad I didn't have to use it, but if I have to do this at some point, I'll need the proper stuff. What else besides a tube? Like what apparatus is used for the food? View attachment 1098656

18 French is perfect! You will also need a 30 ml or 60 ml catheter tip syringe and some Kaytee Exact Baby Bird Food. Petsmart for the food, Tractor Supply or vet for the syringe.

 

[abraga]

No, I don't have Nutri-Drench, but I do have some Poultry-Cell. Is that good? WHere do you buy yours? Yes, time and rest seem to be on her side.
I do wonder if she has an illness on top of this attack. Did not know about her poopy-butt before this. It isn't bad, but it was obviously there because some fluffy butt feathers were stuck together. Plus the fox got her vent area as well. Its curious because she hadn't laid an egg in almost a year and suddenly she laid 3 eggs in the past week! Now this
Will just have to wait and see how she fairs. Trying to take care of her the best we can. Really appreciate all the help here. Thank you!

Most of the time u can get nutri drench at a feed store..tractor supply or state farm should have it. Save a chick to.i don't know much about the one u mentioned. Nutri drench is my " go to" for chicks, sick or injured birds. How old is she? I'd put preparation H around her vent. It will help with inflammation, healing and soreness.not laying for awhile then resuming can b various factors..age, vitamin deficiencies, metabolic issues. Have u wormed your flock lately?

 

[Ursuline Chick]

casportpony, trying to learn as well, coude tip urinary cath is pretty stiff, is this okay to use as tube feed for chicken? Thank you for sharing your expertise.

 

[casportpony]

casportpony, trying to learn as well, coude tip urinary cath is pretty stiff, is this okay to use as tube feed for chicken? Thank you for sharing your expertise.

I just saw the tip and I think that will have to be cut off. After it's cut, it's probably a good idea to melt the end with a light. Not melted it's edges are probable too sharp and could lacerate the esophagus or crop.

 

[casportpony]

I just looked up the part number shown on your catheter and it says it's 16", which is what I use, so that will be fine.

 

[Loona]

@casportpony is the tube feeding expert. I just don't know enough about the tubes to say what's what

OK, thank you

My vet just called back and I reminded him of our discussion last year or so, but when I told him what I was looking for he suggested a stomach tube and they come in all sizes but I'd need to know the size and he'd get it.

I will wait for and/or send casportpony a message. Thank you!

 

[Ursuline Chick]

casportpony and loona, Thank you both this has been so enlightening, especially the part about softening the edges of the cath after cutting to avoid scraping. Now I am curious about chicken anatomy.

 

[casportpony]

OK, thank you

My vet just called back and I reminded him of our discussion last year or so, but when I told him what I was looking for he suggested a stomach tube and they come in all sizes but I'd need to know the size and he'd get it.

I will wait for and/or send casportpony a message. Thank you!

How big are their stomach tubes and how much do they cost compared to a red rubber catheter? When I tube fluids to a full sized bird I used a size 18 French like this:

This is the exact same tube that a vet sold when I had to give a cat enemas.

Hmmm, look at what I just found:
https://www.calvetsupply.com/product/Feeding-Tube-14-French/Feeding_Tubes_Supplies

Size 18 french is ideal. Ask what size he has.

 

[Loona]

I just saw the tip and I think that will have to be cut off. After it's cut, it's probably a good idea to melt the end with a light. Not melted it's edges are probable too sharp and could lacerate the esophagus or crop.

OK. Good to know. Which end of the tube needs to be cut off? The tiny tapered end? And what do I use to get the food in the tube? And what food should I use? Thank you!