Should I try to force-feed my chicken even when she's fallen asleep?

[Annie44]

My chicken in very sick with a bacterial version of Merak's disease. Doc says she might recover if we give her antibiotics, and forcing down the meds has worked, for the most part. However, she won't eat or drink on her own, so we have to force-feed her. So, my question: In the evening, when she's fast asleep, (8pm - 10pm) should we continue our schedule of feeding?

Thanks!

 

[Haunted55]

My chicken in very sick with a bacterial version of Merak's disease. Doc says she might recover if we give her antibiotics, and forcing down the meds has worked, for the most part. However, she won't eat or drink on her own, so we have to force-feed her. So, my question: In the evening, when she's fast asleep, (8pm - 10pm) should we continue our schedule of feeding?

Thanks!

Okay, I need to understand this....a Vet told you your bird has a bacterial form of Marek's? Please post everything that you were told as there is no bacterial form of Marek's. Also please write how you are to force feed your chicken per Vet's orders. This is very important, please.

 

[Annie44]

Okay, I need to understand this....a Vet told you your bird has a bacterial form of Marek's? Please post everything that you were told as there is no bacterial form of Marek's. Also please write how you are to force feed your chicken per Vet's orders. This is very important, please.

Oh yes sorry I made it unclear--my bird doesn't have Marek's, only similar symptoms caused by bacteria (vet did a blood test). I force feed her a mixture the vet gave us, its called 'Liquid Nutrition', as well as antibiotics. I do it by pouring it into a spoon and dribbling drops into her open beak.

Thanks for responding!

 

[Haunted55]

If you are up at that time and the Vet told you to do it every so many hours, then yes, I'd say do it. The Vet advised you to feed with a spoon? Just to hold the spoon up and allow it to take it in if it will?

 

[Haunted55]

You really do need to be very careful with this, seriously. Did the Vet at least show you how? I am not questioning you, I am questioning the Vet's advice. Obviously, you care for this bird or you wouldn't have gone to a Vet in the first place and are now asking this question here.

 

[TallChickMagnet]

An old eye dropper might make things easier for you.

 

[Annie44]

If you are up at that time and the Vet told you to do it every so many hours, then yes, I'd say do it. The Vet advised you to feed with a spoon? Just to hold the spoon up and allow it to take it in if it will?

You really do need to be very careful with this, seriously. Did the Vet at least show you how? I am not questioning you, I am questioning the Vet's advice. Obviously, you care for this bird or you wouldn't have gone to a Vet in the first place and are now asking this question here.

The vet told me to feed her as much as I can, he did not specify exactly how much or when, so I asked around BYC about these things and learned that I should be feeding 30ml of the 'Liquid Nutrition' every 6 - 8 hours. I'll confirm this with the vet when he opens tomorrow.

The vet gave me a syringe-dropper to feed her with. I found the drops from the dropper just rolled right off her beak, so I tried dipping her beak into the contents of a spoon. When I did this she opened her beak and allowed me to pour the mixture in little by little. When her mouth is full, she tips her head back, swallowing, and rubs her beak together. Then I dip her beak in the stuff again and repeat the process until the spoon is empty.

Thank you for your concern! I will make sure to crack down on that vet to give me some solid information.

 

[Annie44]

An old eye dropper might make things easier for you.

Thanks-- the vet gave me a syringe.

 

[casportpony]

If the bird is not eating/drinking on her own, she needs to be tube fed 30ml/kg ever 6-8 hours. I would love to ask your vet why he/she didn't show you how to tube feed.

 

[casportpony]

Thanks-- the vet gave me a syringe.

Did he also give you a tube and show you how to use it?