New hen standing in crate with eyes closed...help...

[casportpony]

Quote: She needs no less than 10% of her body weight in fluids each day, so that's 100 ml per 2.2 pounds.

-Kathy

 

[hammytammy]

well, i hope she was handled well in shipping-
she might be homesick.
well, id just keep holding her and the water and pet her head.
hope its nothing too serious.

 

[casportpony]

well, i hope she was handled well in shipping-
she might be homesick.
well, id just keep holding her and the water and pet her head.
hope its nothing too serious.

She is not homesick.

-Kathy

 

[casportpony]

Just remember this "A sick or debilitated bird should always have its hydration corrected prior to attempting to initiate oral gavage-feeding."
The above applies to any type of force feeding, not just gavage or tube feeding.

That info can be found here:
http://avianmedicine.net/content/uploads/2013/03/07_emergency_and_critical_care.pdf

More info here:
http://avianmedicine.net/content/uploads/2013/03/15.pdf

-Kathy

 

[Pinkaboo]

What I'd gavage feeding?
Interesting in your link about stress and handling
You'd think holding the chicken would give it some comfort

 

[casportpony]

What I'd gavage feeding?
Interesting in your link about stress and handling
You'd think holding the chicken would give it some comfort

Gavage feeding is tube feeding. The OP isn't going to tube, but that doesn't matter. What matters is that the bird is properly hydrated before it's force fed, 'cause force feeding a dehydrated bird, human or mammal can cause more harm than good, possibly even death. I will edit my previous post to make that more clear.

Unless the chicken is used to being "cuddled" holding it will cause stress. The hen also needs to be in a warm room, 80-85 degrees, that's also in that link. FWIW, I'm not one to just quote stuff like that from books, it's how I treat my sick birds and I can assure you that it does make a difference.



-Kathy

 

[Eggcessive]

Oohh good idea I think I have molasses but can pick up raw honey tomorrow

No don't use molasses because it can cause more diarrhea and dehydration.

 

[casportpony]

Supportive Care
SICK-BIRD ENCLOSURES
Sick birds are often hypothermic and should be placed in heated (brooder-type) enclosures b (Fig 7.7) in a quiet environment (see Chapter 1, Clinical Practice). A temperature of 85° F (29° C) with 70% humidity is desirable for most sick birds. If brooders are not equipped with a humidity source, placing a small dish of water in the enclosure will often supply adequate humidity. A moist towel that is heated and placed on the bottom of a cage or incubator rapidly humidifies the environment, as indicated by the fogging of the acrylic cage front.
Source: http://avianmedicine.net/content/uploads/2013/03/07_emergency_and_critical_care.pdf

I don't worry about the humidity, but temp, never less than 80 degrees, period.

-Kathy

 

[kristin07035]

No don't use molasses because it can cause more diarrhea and dehydration.  

I read that so I didn't. Is raw honey ok or should I just stick with regular water or that probotic mix mentioned a few posts back?

 

[casportpony]

Oohh good idea I think I have molasses but can pick up raw honey tomorrow
Quote: Sugar or corn syrup will be fine. NO MOLASSES!

-Kathy