help with watery poop/possible vent issue

[Eggcessive]

Many regular vets will do a fecal float for worms and test for cocci if you bring in a sample. Be pushy, sometimes it helps. If you can't get one checked, I might put her on a 5 day course of Corid (amprollium) 1 tsp powder or 2 tsp liquid in 1 gallon water. Or give her Di-Metox or Sulmet . Here is the thread on tube feeding: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/805728/go-team-tube-feeding

 

[Murphyslaw123]

She has been vaccinated for coccidiosis.

 

[Sarevan]

I would keep giving her fluids until you get the tube. It is very easy to insert the tube. I hold the bird pinned to me with my left arm, open mouth with left hand open mouth then hold it open with 2 fingers. Insert tube head turned towards me go behind the opening directly behind tongue and push tube in feeling neck for the tube till it gets into crop. Slowly push plunger to make sure fluid doesn't come back up. I haven't been doing this long and it is very easy.

 

[Murphyslaw123]

Thanks, Sarevan! I will definitely do it as soon as my supplies arrive (some tonight, some tomorrow). Should I start with just water to be sure she isn't dehydrated? I have done some reading with the "exact" baby bird food also, but I think I remember that they need to be hydrated first. And do you put the whole 30ml in at once? Or do more frequent feedings of lesser amounts? Also, is it an issue if there is air in the tube that will first be pushed into the crop? Or is there a way to start the feed through the tube before you insert it? (I had a baby who used a feeding tube and I remember having to get the air out first. Not sure if it's the same with the chickens). I will play with them before I actually attempt it. Just want to be sure what I'm doing. Thanks for your help, everyone.

 

[Sarevan]

What I do to fill the tube is pull the plunger back to just past the amount I want, put the end in the fluid push plunger down then back up to the amount I want . To remove any air I hold the tube up and gently expel the air. It is then ready to insert down the chickens crop.

You can do the whole amount at once but go slowly incase it backs up into the throat, you don't want them to aspirate any of it. Then gently massage the crop downwards to try to get the fluid into her digestive tract and loosen up the mass. You can keep the tube in place by gently pinning it inplace with her beak incase you need to add another syringe. Good luck with your bird!

 

[Murphyslaw123]

Thanks! Her crop emptied today. Her poop is looking more normal and she is hungry! I have given her soft things, a little rice, some yogurt, etc. we are taking it slow. I did get to tube her once but pulled it back when she started gasping. Wasn't able to get it again after that. She is eating and drinking and I hope we are through the worst. How long before I introduce her to regular food again?

 

[casportpony]

Is her poop still that yellow?

-Kathy

 

[Murphyslaw123]

Not at all! Dark formed stools, one even had a white cap today!!

 

[casportpony]

Not at all! Dark formed stools, one even had a white cap today!!

That's good, I was a little worried, lol.

-Kathy

 

[Murphyslaw123]

It is a very dark green though. Not neon, just very dark.