Question about subcutaneous fluids

[SarahGfa]

This is not an emergency, but I am restocking my first aid kit and would like to be prepared in case a chicken needs subcutaneous fluids.

Questions

• Where can I buy sterile saline or Lactated Ringers? Which one is better?
• Where can I buy the tubing/needles that connect to the bag?
• Has anyone here given subcutaneous fluids to a sick or injured bird? How common is this?

Thank you.

 

[cavemanrich]

Has anyone here given subcutaneous fluids to a sick or injured bird? How common is this?

I think you are in an Extremely small minority in the WORLD to go to such extremes for poultry chickens.
Generally a prescription is needed. Veterinarians do use this but most likely for mammals.
https://www.heartlandvetsupply.com/...MI6fvWpKqU6AIVENvACh0dRggAEAQYAiABEgL-K_D_BwE
WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[SarahGfa]

I think you are in an Extremely small minority in the WORLD to go to such extremes for poultry chickens.
Generally a prescription is needed. Veterinarians do use this but most likely for mammals.

Thank you... yes it looks like there is a prescription required. Darn. I am comfortable with tube feeding, and subcutaneous fluids seems like a good tool to have in case of emergency.

 

[Eggcessive]

@casportpony has done this at home, but she has a close relationship with her vet I believe. She is good for sourcing things, so maybe she will chime in. I have done subcutaneous fluids on children and babies years ago, but you have to know what is safe to give and how much per pound. Lactated Ringers Solution and Normal Saline 0.9% is what we used. My vet has given my small yorkie sub Q fluids. I would probably not do it for my chicken though.

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is one thread with a few links to look for included:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/subcutaneous-fluids-and-injections.914094/

 

[SarahGfa]

@casportpony has done this at home, but she has a close relationship with her vet I believe. She is good for sourcing things, so maybe she will chime in. I have done subcutaneous fluids on children and babies years ago, but you have to know what is safe to give and how much per pound. Lactated Ringers Solution and Normal Saline 0.9% is what we used. My vet has given my small yorkie sub Q fluids. I would probably not do it for my chicken though.

Thank you! Normal saline is easy to find without a prescription.

 

[casportpony]

Thank you! Normal saline is easy to find without a prescription.

Were you able to get some bags of fluids?

 

[SarahGfa]

Were you able to get some bags of fluids?

No. I was asking about sub Q because I had 3 hens with ovarian cancer, but they are all gone now.

 

[casportpony]

So sorry.