Tube feeding plunger problems?

[Redbrew]

I have tube fed many birds from geese to bantams. Every single time, after the first couple of feedings, the plungers in my feed syringes become tight and wont budge.

We've tried trimming the rubber for less snug of a fit, coating plunger rubber with oil, coating inside of syringe with oil, making sure feed is not clogging, etc.

But every time, every syringe and tube (20g, 18g tubes, 25-60ml syringes swapped out in various combinations ) will stop sliding and cause havoc trying to feed the sick bird. The only constant, i think, is the kaytee baby bird food ... but even that i get smooth sliding until tube is on and in the bird. I've sprayed myself, the bird, the environment with carefully prepared food at the right temp .... i'm so frustrated!

Anyone else experienced this? I've scoured internet and not finding relevant help!

 

[Kiki]

@casportpony might be able to offer advice.
Do you have pictures of the exact syringes you use?

 

[casportpony]

Mine do this too, some brands more than others. For me, mineral oil on the plunger works best, seems like cooking oil makes them worse.

 

[Eggcessive]

Are you washing out the syringes and plungers after each use? They do get sticky the more you use them.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you mean mineral oil Kathy?

 

[casportpony]

Do you mean mineral oil Kathy?

yes, my bad. Looks like my tablet autocorrected for me.

 

[Redbrew]

Yes, washing. Well, i'm relieved to know it's not uncommon. I literally have Kaytee on my kitchen ceiling and light fixture from the latest blow out (and i'm not forcing it!) And my poor hen hasn't gotten all she needs today. Going to try hubby helping, so at least we can get her fed.

Instead of better mouse trap, maybe we need better tube feeding equipment.

 

[casportpony]

These are the ones we use:
https://www.shopmedvet.com/product/ahs-60ml-catheter-tip-syringe-25-per-box

 

[raingarden]

That's why they're called disposable syringes.

I don't know if they even make the old glass syringes anymore. They have a glass barrell and glass plunger without the rubber tip.. The plunger has a matt finish that is lubricated with mineral oil.

They keep working until you bump or drop then on the floor and they shatter.

 

[Redbrew]

Thank you friends. I was very overwhelmed yesterday, have a very large mixed flock and on top of having to manage winter issues, we are having numerous health issues going through the flock ... i appreciate the quick responses. I'll stock up on gavage syringes so i have new ones to grab when used one goes south.