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Avian Nutrition Tube Feeding Birds
Avian Nutrition Tube Feeding Birds
co m/avian-medicine-2/avian-nutritio n/tube-feeding/
Key Points
Estimated crop volume is 50 ml/kg. Begin f eeding one-third to one-half of estimated crop volume
to the critically ill patient.
Always tube f eed warm f ormula (100-105F or 38 to 41C).
Tube f eeding should always be the last treatment perf ormed.
Most birds are tube f ed between two to f our times daily.
Introduction
Tube f eeding, also known as gavage f eeding, is an essential part of avian supportive care. Sick birds are
of ten presented with a history of anorexia. Glycogen stores may be depleted within hours in the granivore
(including psitacine, passerine and gallif orm species) secondary to a relatively high metabolic rate. Another
important indication f or gavage f eeding is a documented drop in body weight of 5 to 10%.
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Equipment needed
Figure 1. Use an oral speculum to pass f lexible tubing in
psittacines.
Feeding tube
Curved stainless steel ball tipped f eeding tubes are easiest to use
in parrots.
Restraint and tube passage should be practiced so the technique may be perf ormed ef f iciently, saf ely, and
gently in the clinical patient. Tube f eeding is also contraindicated in birds that are regurgitating, dehydrated,
or those that are not alert, responsive, or able to keep their heads elevated.
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For example, the crop of a debilitated 100-gram bird should hold approximately 5 ml of f luid. For the f irst
f eeding, tube f eed 2 to 3 ml of f ood. As long as this volume is tolerated, increase the next tube f eeding to
3 or 4 ml. By the third f eeding, volume may be increased to 5 ml.
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Frequency
Depending on the product used and the clinical condition and caloric needs of the patient, tube f eeding is
of ten perf ormed two to f our times daily. Small birds eat a higher percentage of their body weight on a daily
basis than large birds. For instance, a 100-gram bird may eat up to 25% of its body weight daily while a
1000-gram bird may eat approximately 10% of its body weight per day. T heref ore more f requent f eedings
are of ten indicated in small birds and juveniles.
Finch 4 hours
Amazon 8 hours
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Monitoring
Caref ully monitor stool production, and continue to provide the tube f ed patient with f resh f ood and water.
Identif y f oods commonly eaten by the patient at home and of f er these items in the hospital.
Weigh the patient on a gram scale at least once or twice daily to ensure that it is at least maintaining, and
pref erably gaining weight. Weigh the patient at the same time or times each day as weight can normally
f luctuate throughout the day.
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Emeraid products
Carbo- Emeraid Emeraid Emeraid
Product Boost * Nut ri-Support ** Omnivore*** Carnivore Herbivore***
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Ref erences
Gelis S. Evaluating and treating the gastrointestinal system. In: Harrison GJ, Lightf oot T L, eds. Clinical avian
medicine. Palm Beach: Spix Publishing, 2006;426.
Jenkins JR. Hospital techniques and supportive care. In: Altman RB, Clubb SL, Dorrestein GM, Quesenberry
K, eds. Avian medicine and surgery. Philadelphia: WB Saunders Co, 1997;244-246.
Jones MP, Pollock CG. Supportive care and shock. In: Olsen GH, Orosz SE, eds. Manual of avian medicine.
St. Louis: Mosby, 2000;24, 40-42.
Laf eber T J. Pet bird care: proper technique f or passing a f eeding tube and administration of Emeraid I and
Emeraid II. 1998.
Related topics
Calculating energy requirements
Parrot handling
Passerine handling
Written by Christal Pollock, DVM, Dipl. ABVP-Avian. Video script reviewed by Drs. Scott Echols and Susan
Orosz.