My chicken swallowed string . I pulled it out .

[ReaganDay]

My RIR swallowed a 2 foot section of string attached to a feeder .I tugged on it slowly and managed to get it out . I was worried that poor hen would die so I didn't check online for info . Now it seems I may have done the wrong thing . There was a large knot in the end she swallowed so perhaps I was lucky to get it out . She seems a bit off . She drank some water but is not eating .Any suggestions ?

 

[1muttsfan]

Sometimes string can act like a knife when pulled out of the mouth (or rectum) if some of it has already passed down into the digestive tract. If the string comes out easily with NO effort you probably are OK. If you had to apply pressure it may have done some internal damage. There is probably nothing you can do now other than wait and see, unless you want to try taking the chicken to a vet and paying the bills for treatment.

If you see a string coming out either end of the digestive tract you can try GENTLE traction. If there is any resistance, the best bet is to cut the string off as short and possible and hope for the best.

 

[bluefeather2697]

i experienced this about last month with my hen. i noticed a hanging white string on her mouth about 3 foot long. the string was just thin so i pulled it out gently. i don't know, but my hen just continued to eat and drink like nothing happened.

 

[happytraylz]

At least she is drinking- maybe if she is sore, either throat or dig. tract, you could offer something softer than pellets. Maybe a mash, oatmeal, etc. and see if she will try that. Hope everything goes ok..

 

[Dutchgirl]

We have tarps near the coop and so the chickens sometimes swallow threads from them. I usually just pull them out gently and nothing happens, but I don't think they're usually more than a foot long.

 

[ReaganDay]

SO far she seems ok . Started eating some food this morning . I have my fingers crossed .Now I need to find somthing to hang the feeder that won't ever be swallowed .

 

[RhodeIslandRedFan]

Quote:
Glad to hear good news - thanks for posting an update