Need to Tube Severely Molting Hen

[micstrachan]

How close is that hen harbor rescue place? Maybe she could come help you?

I don’t know. It says the Santa Cruz area.

 

[micstrachan]

I just got Ester onto the scale for a moment. It said something just under 2100 grams... 2089 or something? Does that sound right?

 

[micstrachan]

64mL? To be sure not to aspirate, thinking 40-50 is safer to start?

 

[micstrachan]

Have you weighed her yet?

Kathy, I weighed her at 2089 grams, but it was quick. So that would be 64mL right? I’d feel safer starting with 40-50 so I don’t aspirate her. Thoughts?

 

[Kris5902]

You’ve got this, and we’re all pulling for you and Ester.

 

[casportpony]

Kathy, I weighed her at 2089 grams, but it was quick. So that would be 64mL right? I’d feel safer starting with 40-50 so I don’t aspirate her. Thoughts?

Since you have not done it before, start with 40. Wait 60-90 minutes and repeat.

http://avianmedicine.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/15.pdf

 

[micstrachan]

DH is making a ton of noise, including vacuuming right beside Ester’s crate! I am so frustrated. I need to calm down first. Pedialyte is being delivered via instacart soon.

 

[casportpony]

Try to relax. Is the room she is in warm?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I've found that all my BR have a difficult time during molt. I also had a rooster this year that just seemed miserable.

Tubing is fine to do, but I'll give you my 2¢ anyway. I leave my birds with the flock.
For molters I make a mash - all flock or flock raiser feed + water and buttermilk. I also dissolve a vitamin E gel cap(s) and B-Complex and mix that into the mash. How many E caps and how much B-Complex depends on how many birds are eating. I usually make enough for all birds to have access to the mash.
My molters do not eat well. The BR especially, but they seem to scarf down the mash. My rooster hoarded his food bowl and wouldn't even let his hen have much mash LOL

Plain water.

 

[micstrachan]

Try to relax. Is the room she is in warm?

Yes. There is a heat lamp over her. She’s eating scrambled egg. Does that count at all for fluid? LOL.