How do you get water down a poorly chicken?

A

Anne W

New member
Joined
Oct 4, 2009
Messages
305
Reaction score
0
Despite using medicted feed it seems I may have an outbreak of cocci. The birds are about 13 weeks old and yesterday I noticed one was isolating itself and hunched a bit - then another one joined it. There was blood inthe droppings and fresh blood onthe shavings. I rang the vet who didn't think it was cocci but gave me baycox as I thought it was - he also gave me danogaurd to cover other possibilities. I put in all the growers waters and gave the poorly ones some of the water solution by syringe. Then the vet that I usually see for my birds rang and suggested I give the poorly ones some neat as they won't drink enough of the water solution - of course when a bird is off colour they just don't eat or drink do they.

My question is HOW on earth do you get enough fluids down a chicken without it going into their windpipe - poor things were coughing and spluttering. I had 5 poorly birds but one looks better this morning - the 4 are no different but at least alive - I don't want them to get dehydrated. Any advice really welcome
 
Hi, you need a little bit of tubing- open the hens mouth and you will see two holes- one at the back - this is the oesophagus- you one you want- there is another smaller hole next to the tongue- this is the windpipe and dont get any fluid down there :shock: I would try to insert the tube from the syringe into the oesophagus and syringe the fluid down- it helps if you have someone to hold the hen. take your time and make sure it doesn't go down the windpipe- good luck,
regards, David :)
 
Thanks David - it doesn't help that they htey are silkies and very young - so difficult to see anything.
 
Anne---if they are well enough to drink the Baycox can go directly into water. Add a tiny bit of Ribena to the water to encourage them to drink. --It works! If too weak to drink you can use a 1ml syringe and give it slowly into back of throat with head tilted back and you shouldnt get into any trouble .You can also squirt it onto food if they are eating.. Keep drinkers,house, ground etc disinfected eg Virkon , remember your shoes. Keep them isolated and treat anymore that show any possible signs of it PDQ.Hope all resolves quickly. Ros
 
Thanks Ros - touch wood, 2 of the 5 are improving and the little girl was having a drink from the drinker when I went in so I was so pleased! She is still looking sorry for herself and don't think she is eating but hopefully if she drinks it means she is getting better. I made a footbath with virkon in it yesterday so hope it wasn't too late as I have turkeys and ducks wandering around. Fingers crossed. x
 
Hi Anne,

Hope your chooks are on the mend. Following advice on here a couple of weeks ago I tried the ribena tip & it really worked a treat. It was amazing how she took to the tinted water when she hadn't been interested in the clear water at all.
 
Thanks Lucylou - yes they are on the mend now - thank God! I was just about to start giving some fluids by tube to one in particular and when I went in she was drinking! I was worried as they were not eating and suddenly thought - chick crumbs - and they gulped them down, so fingers crossed it is getting better. Only one this morning looked hunched and alone but I have seen it eat and drink so will keep an eye on it.

Thanks for everyones help and support - it really does take edge off the horror of the situation doesn't it?
 
Thankyou Ros - I managed to sleep last night - unlike the previous night :shock: Amazing how it just changes your life isn't it?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest posts

Back
Top