Need to Tube Severely Molting Hen

[micstrachan]

So guess what? Ester has actually not lost weight! Whew! For some stupid reason I put the scale on a rug when I weighed her yesterday. When I put it back on a hard surface today, she had gained just a tiny bit.

 

[Painted Calls]

Yes, I think so. Also, hrr poop was so watery, I thought it might be too much. Should I keep at it with the fluids? The formula is pretty watery . Also, while I’m using size 18 for fluids, I think I went with 24 for feed.

As long as she is hydrated, the formula is all she needs.

Can you post a video showing the consistency of your formula, as well as the tubes you're using?

 

[Painted Calls]

So guess what? Esther has actually not lost weight! Whew! For some stupid reason I put the scale on a rug when I weighed her yesterday. When I put it back on a hard surface today, she had gained just a tiny bit.

Crazy how sensitive those things are. Make sure you place it on a hard, flat, level surface for weighing. I try to put it in the exact same spot every time. That way I know there are no variables with the weights. I'm a weirdo.

 

[casportpony]

The scales are sensitive, even crumbs on a countertop can cause errors.

 

[micstrachan]

As long as she is hydrated, the formula is all she needs.

Can you post a video showing the consistency of your formula, as well as the tubes you're using?

Squeezing bird care in between back-to-back meetings, but here you go! @Overo Mare

 

[micstrachan]

I also wanted to share that I’m back in the office starting Thursday. So I’ll only be able to feed her in the morning and evening. I can probacly run up the hill for lunch and can feed her hours after roosting time, since she’s in the kitchen with lots of activity. (not ideal, I know).

 

[Painted Calls]

Squeezing bird care in between back-to-back meetings, but here you go! @Overo Mare

Perfect! Sounds like you're getting the hang of your tubes and what they can handle.

 

[Painted Calls]

I also wanted to share that I’m back in the office starting Thursday. So I’ll only be able to feed her in the morning and evening. I can probacly run up the hill for lunch and can feed her hours after roosting time, since she’s in the kitchen with lots of activity. (not ideal, I know).

I would just make sure that you max out her crop volume (without overflowing her of course) each time. Weighing her every morning will tell you if you need to increase your volume.

 

[micstrachan]

I would just make sure that you max out her crop volume (without overflowing her of course) each time. Weighing her every morning morning will tell you if you need to increase your volume.

Ok, thanks! Ester is behaving more like a normal chicken. Her crate is by the window, and she’s standing on top. Twice she’s made the aerial predator call. So cute! She also squatted (submissively) in my lap before feeding and cruised around the kitchen a little.

So I can fit a full 65mL (maxed out syringe), if her crop is empty. I’m comfortable with that volume and would have to swap out syringes mid-feed if I wanted to add more.

Here she is on top of her crate by the window. You can see watery poops beneath her, but she’s doing solid ones, too.

 

[Painted Calls]

Ok, thanks! Ester is behaving more like a normal chicken. Her crate is by the window, and she’s standing on top. Twice she’s made the aerial predator call. So cute! She also squatted (submissively) in my lap before feeding and cruised around the kitchen a little.

So I can fit a full 65mL (maxed out syringe), if her crop is empty. I’m comfortable with that volume and would have to swap out syringes mid-feed if I wanted to add more.

Here she is on top of her crate by the window. You can see watery poops beneath her, but she’s doing solid ones, too.
View attachment 2477211

Great to hear! Goodness she's adorable. ❤