Lost tubing

[Jo Bird]

I was attempting to force-feed my sick chicken. I had the tubing directly in the crop as I was putting the food in of course she was struggling and the tubing came off the tip of the syringe and is inside of her now. I felt it in her crop but it kept going lower and lower and now I can’t find it. Has this happened to anyone else? This was about a 4 inch long piece of The aquarium type tubing and I can’t imagine she will be able to pass this!

 

[Eggcessive]

I am sorry this happened. I usually use a longer piece of tubing, about 12-14 inches long so the syringe is not right up to the beak. I’m not sure that you could get this out unless you could see the end of it in the back of the throat and pull it out with something. If a vet is available, they might be able to put a scope down into the crop, or crop surgery. Can you feel the tube inside the crop?

 

[Jo Bird]

I am sorry this happened. I usually use a longer piece of tubing, about 12-14 inches long so the syringe is not right up to the beak. I’m not sure that you could get this out unless you could see the end of it in the back of the throat and pull it out with something. If a vet is available, they might be able to put a scope down into the crop, or crop surgery. Can you feel the tube inside the crop?

I did but it kept going lower and lower and I guess it’s gone down into her digestive track

 

[Myrshine]

Well.. if she starts getting sick or a blockage from it, there unfortunately will be nothing you can do at that point. Watch her poop closely for it to come out. If she doesn’t get better, it’s probably in her best interest to cull.

 

[Jo Bird]

Well.. if she starts getting sick or a blockage from it, there unfortunately will be nothing you can do at that point. Watch her poop closely for it to come out. If she doesn’t get better, it’s probably in her best interest to cull.

Can’t believe im possibly killing her trying to save her! I just spent close to $1000 at the vet to save her from a raccoon attack. I didn’t realize how hard this was going to be! Is it normal for new chicken owners to lose a few through ignorance and trial and error? I hate to keep losing them due to my neglect.

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Every chicken keeper has lost a bird. It's not always preventable. Just do your best and learn from yours and others mistakes.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope your chicken gets well soon.

 

[theoldchick]

Bless your heart. I've seen experienced handlers lose the feeding tube in such a manner. Most have been lucky enough to retrieve it by using a forceps or crop surgery. In the case of a Bald Eagle, the vet surgically removed the tubing. Call your vet and see what he/she recommends.

 

[Jo Bird]

Every chicken keeper has lost a bird. It's not always preventable. Just do your best and learn from yours and others mistakes.

I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope your chicken gets well soon.

Thanks, if this one dies it’ll make three in 10 months I’ll have lost due to my ignorance/what to do/what to look for.
I hope that piece of tubing just slides on out!