HOW to hold a chicken upside down?

[Lunachick]

We have sour crop here, everything I read doesn't explain how to properly hold her upside down? This is a last resort and I'm scared to do it, any advice? Also, how long do you hold her that way, I'm worried about aspiration.

 

[Lunachick]

Nevermind! I finally found an answer I like. Instead of holding her by the legs (which I was trying to figure out how to do) I will do what Godiva did, hold her gently in my arms and bend over with her til she's "upside down" and see what comes out.

 

[al6517]

If you know how to handle chickens well use the leg method, I do all the time and if done right is fast and easy.

AL

 

[Lunachick]

Thanks Al, I don't know how to hold her by the legs, that's what I was trying to figure out. Wanna tell me?

 

[al6517]

Sure.......................... I just catch them as any normal person would do, I reach under and grab both legs at once, one leg each held by two fingers each above the knee joint, that way your grip is cushioned and steadfast. Then just simply turn them upside down, now some may flayle and flap a bit but it doesn't hurt them and they soon stop a moment later. once they have been held upside down once they won't struggle the next time. I use it very often especialy when they are in cages which really makes it easy, I can now hold several chickens each in one hand without incident and stress on the birds. I do not do it all the time just when the situation warrents that technic.

Now I am sure my post will be followed by those who think this is a terrible way to handle birds and the chickens should then be sent a therapist for treatment to their fragile emotional state, and then smothered with huggy pie's and kissy poo's. But the truth is they do very well with no need to freak out over their emotional state.

I hope this helps, I am sure once you try it you will like it and your birds will be safer as a result.

AL

 

[NurseNettie]

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[Lunachick]

Al - thanks for the tip on how to hold a bird upside down. I practised on a younger bird, so now I know how.

Ruby has the sour crop and I didn't want to hold her by the legs..........so I just tipped her over and out came about 1/2 cup of brackish liquid

I did it again later on. She's now in my favourite chair inside the house. Last night she ate some scrambled egg, but no water. She was perkier this morning and ate some cat food kibble soaked in water. She ate some with a little gusto.

She's pooping and even growled at a squirrel in the tree. She fought me when I tried to tip her over this morning, so now I'm at work hoping she'll be alright on her own.

 

[al6517]

Good to hear all is well...............

AL

 

[Wolfwoman]

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[al6517]

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Yeah I know .......right......... I do have my moments

AL