How many times a day do I need to force feed my crossbeak pullet?

[happylittlehens]

I have a pullet with a crossbeak. I am working on filing her beak down enough that she can feed herself but right now I am having to force feed her mash. I feed her until I can feel her crop is about the size of a golf ball. Does anyone know how many times a day do I need to do this?

 

[TwoCrows]

I don't have the answer to this, however you might read thru this thread for help and support for your cross beak and yourself.

Good luck with your baby.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...-for-special-needs-chickens-and-their-keepers

 

[happylittlehens]

Thanks. I've read the thread but didn't see anything about feeding frequency.

 

[MrsBachbach]

Well, I really don't know, but chickens crops tend to empty overnight and then they fill them again throughout the day, go to roost with a full crop and start over again. So, I guess it would depend on how long it takes for her crop to empty.

 

[TwoCrows]

X2

A chickens crop takes about 4 to 6 hours to fully empty. So I would say you would need to feed her 3 times a day. Don't over fill the crop, just a small handful is probably fine. Experiment with her. You might want to start weighing her daily until you know if she is losing weight or gaining. When you get a routine down, then you can probably only weigh her occasionally.

Good luck with your baby!

 

[happylittlehens]

Thank you so much for the help! I've been having such a hard time finding any information about how often to hand feed. I was guessing 2-3 times a day, so that will work great. I was worried about over-feeding her and having problems with impacted/sour crop.

 

[TwoCrows]

Just make sure not to over fill the crop or use any food that is really hot or cold. Luke warm to cool is fine. Too hot, too cold or too much can cause crop issues. Make sure to always sterilize your equipment so it doesn't grow bacteria. And it wouldn't hurt to give her probiotics as well to help with the crop and GI tract.

Good luck with your baby!