Tube Feeding Ducks - discussion on tube feeding ducks

[DuckyDonna]

Great info! Got any pictures?

 

[DuckyDonna]

This one:
https://www.kaytee.com/all-products/pet-bird/exact-hand-feeding
View attachment 1750862 View attachment 1750863 View attachment 1750864

It's in my shopping cart, thanks!

 

[Lalalady]

I know this is a super old post but if anyone is still around I could use help with information on tube feeding a very very small 8 day old duckling. The duckling is taking an antibiotic and seems to be improving quickly but isn't eating enough to gain weight at all. It's 47 grams. I think I can manage to go down the far right though he is very feisty now that he has had a few doses of antibiotics. However, I'm totally unsure of the volume and frequency. Right now I am just putting tiny bits into his beak and having him swallow on his own but it's a longer process and exhausting for us both.

He takes a bite and shakes his head to fling it out otherwise but I know he can swallow because he was eating really really well and did gain weight in the first 8-12 hours after the antibiotics started but then stopped again. He also ate enough to stay alive but started losing weight at 4 days old. That's when we went to the bird vet hours away but they weren't helpful. Now he isn't losing weight but only went from 41 to 47 grams in the last 4 days.

 

[casportpony]

Sorry for the delayed reply and sorry your duckling isn't feeling well. You want to start with 2% of its body weight and if tolerated, slowly increase to 5%.
2% of 47 = 0.94 ml
3% of 47 = 1.41 ml
4% of 47 = 1.88 ml
5% of 47 = 2.35 ml

Can you post a picture of your tube?

 

[Lalalady]

Sorry for the delayed reply and sorry your duckling isn't feeling well. You want to start with 2% of its body weight and if tolerated, slowly increase to 5%.
2% of 47 = 0.94 ml
3% of 47 = 1.41 ml
4% of 47 = 1.88 ml
5% of 47 = 2.35 ml

Can you post a picture of your tube?

Thank you so much for the reply. It's a 5 Fr but I have some 8fr on the way. It has two holes near the end. I will send a picture. I'm using my Vitamix to puree the mazuri duckling starter currently but will have to thin that a little more to push via the tube. I have the bird formula coming but I'm very rural and mail takes time.

How often do you tube feed at this age/size?


I have never tube fed with a gastric tube before.

 

[casportpony]

The five is a little on the small size, but you should be able to make it work until you get the 8. When tubing the little ones like this, I cut off both of the holes, and melt the end a little so it's not too sharp. I do this because the length of their esophagus is short and you really want the food to come out at the bottom of the tube not the half inch or whatever up the tube. Does that make sense?

As for frequency, try the lesser amount every hour and see how that works.

 

[Lalalady]

The five is a little on the small size, but you should be able to make it work until you get the 8. When tubing the little ones like this, I cut off both of the holes, and melt the end a little so it's not too sharp. I do this because the length of their esophagus is short and you really want the food to come out at the bottom of the tube not the half inch or whatever up the tube. Does that make sense?

As for frequency, try the lesser amount every hour and see how that works.

Great. Thank you so much. Ant tips for how to be sure it's in the esophagus? I know to go down the right side but I have a little bit of fear about making the poor thing aspirate or putting it down the wrong pipe. I really really want to help him live but I admit to being slightly scared too.

 

[casportpony]

Great. Thank you so much. Ant tips for how to be sure it's in the esophagus? I know to go down the right side but I have a little bit of fear about making the poor thing aspirate or putting it down the wrong pipe. I really really want to help him live but I admit to being slightly scared too.

Have you seen this video?

 

[igorsMistress]

Glad I found this thread, thanks as always @casportpony

 

[Lalalady]

Have you seen this video?

I couldnt get the mash through the 5fr my 8fr was supposed to come today but is delayed until Thursday now. I have some kaytee bird formula coming (regular and high fat) that I hope I can fit through the 5fr but I'm not sure if it is really good for ducklings? I think I have seen it suggested on this forum somewhere but I can't find it.

He is holding weight with the syringe feeding but it's stressful and I think the tube will be easier on him if I can get it sorted out.