Help! Duckling Swallowed Long String!

[JBoykin]

I read a bit about this in another post, but my situation is a little different. This string came from the rug I placed her on as I was changing the brooder chips. These strings are pretty long and a bit thicker than thread. I am severely worried about the length of it and her having trouble passing it. I read that crumbled food may bring it, oil may help with lubrication, but again, I'm afraid of the length. I am so very worried as I really am only raising 4 ducklings. Losing one of my ladies would be a very huge loss. Can anyone please help?

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

Do you have a picture of what she ingested? Is she pooping ok? How long has it been since she ingested the string?

 

[Isaac 0]

Only time will tell whether it will pass on its own or not - the first step would be attempting to lubricate her gastrointestinal tract to allow easier passage of the piece. Mineral oil can be easily obtained at most feed, and health stores and can be directly added to the feed. Grit may aid in the breakdown of the material once it reaches the gizzard.

Weighing the bird daily on a gram scale would help in determining whether the bird is eating, and drinking enough; with ducklings, you should see a steady ascend in weight - if you're seeing a decline in her weight it is likely there is a blockage.

 

[JBoykin]

Do you have a picture of what she ingested? Is she pooping ok? How long has it been since she ingested the string?

It has been two days now, and she isn't acting any different. She is using the bathroom okay, although, sometimes it is more liquid-y.

 

[JBoykin]

Only time will tell whether it will pass on its own or not - the first step would be attempting to lubricate her gastrointestinal tract to allow easier passage of the piece. Mineral oil can be easily obtained at most feed, and health stores and can be directly added to the feed. Grit may aid in the breakdown of the material once it reaches the gizzard.

Weighing the bird daily on a gram scale would help in determining whether the bird is eating, and drinking enough; with ducklings, you should see a steady ascend in weight - if you're seeing a decline in her weight it is likely there is a blockage.

Thank you so much for telling me that. I'll have to find her a scale.

 

[PippinTheChicken]

Thank you so much for telling me that. I'll have to find her a scale.

A kitchen scale will be fine, cover it in a tissue so she doesn't dirty it

 

[BrukeyBrooke]

What happened with your duckling??