Ruby is unwell :(

[azygous]

@KikisGirls is right. My Lucy is quite sick but she spends her days outside in a confinement pen where she can feel part of the flock. If I kept her inside in her crate, she wouldn't get to have the enjoyment of growling a her enemies. It can be a very positive stimulant for a sick chicken to be with her flock.

 

[Kiki]

She gobbled up the egg.

did end up eating more of the feed,

and did join the flock for a tuna treat

I did see her eat just a little feed.

This bird is no where near in need of tube feeding.
She is eating!

 

[Kiki]

I'm beginning to think you are "doing" too much.
Do you normally feed treats every day? If so this might be your problem.
Your birds could be on the heavy side which causes problems.
How much do they weigh?
Specifically this girl?

 

[casportpony]

Before you tube please look at this link, this is the best, most concise collection of tubing info.
https://lafeber.com/vet/tube-feeding-birds/

Then this one:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/updated-go-team-tube-feeding.805728/

And this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/step-by-step-tube-feeding-guide-pictures-under-construction.

The aquarium tube will work, but take you syringe with your to make sure it fits.

 

[casportpony]

This bird is no where near in need of tube feeding.
She is eating!

If still eating and drinking I agree.

 

[Kiki]

She is not eating a lot of feed because she has so many treats....of course she is going to eat the treats first.

 

[micstrachan]

I did not waste any time getting her back outside. She hesitated in coming out of her crate (was in the back with her face in a corner), but she did come out and went straight for a waterer. I had poured a capful of nutridrench in the bottom of the waterer since I did not want to waste it, so she got that, too. Her body language was actually pretty good (tail up), but she is walking gingerly... favoring her right leg/foot and looks sore.

 

[casportpony]

@micstrachan, you said earlier in this thread that you use Adobe Animal Hospital? If so, why not take her to the one in Los Altos since they are open 24/7? Or call them and arrange to pick up a 60 ml catheter tip syringe and a size 18 french red rubber catheter?

 

[azygous]

Folks, we're just preparing for the eventuality of Ruby needing tube feeding. She's not even close to needing it at this time.

When you're stressed out over a sick chicken, it gives a bit of comfort to know you're prepared for the next steps in supportive care if needed.

 

[micstrachan]

I posted a few days ago that Ruby had an empty crop, BEFORE I noticed her not feeling well. Remember I asked if lousy weather made them lose their appetite? She hasn't been eating much, so I offered egg once inside to get some protein and calcium (I mixed in a calcium) in her. The tuna is one can split nine ways... I only use that if I need to call them into the run before roosting time. If anyone has any ideas on how to call a flock in from free ranging without offering a treat, I'd love to hear it. My birds do not get treats on a regular basis.
Regardless, she is back outside after a night in the warm house. If I keep her out with the flock tonight, she will be down on the floor by herself while everyone else is roosting up above. I don't really see how this is much better than being inside, but am open to suggestions.