Hen

Handling and bleeding

Hens, chickens and eggs are used in Norway for antibody production, disgnostic work and research within biochemistry, physiology and nutrition. — The Domestic Hen

The hen should be lifted carefully while immobilising the wings with one hand. The hen should then be quickly held into the handler's body. One hand is used to hold the legs, the other holds the hen around its wings. — Handling

Two operators are needed. The hen is held down on the table with one wing immobilised under its body. One person holds both legs and grasps the body, while the other person locates the ulnar vein under the uppermost wing. — The ulnar vein

The ulnar vein is prepared for puncture. The operator's fingers are used to immobilise the wing in the correct position. — Immobilisation of the vein

The area around the blood vessel should be disinfected before venepuncture. — Disinfection

The ulnar vein is ready for puncture. Feathers should be parted to visualise the vein. Try to avoid plucking feathers as this is painful. — Final preparations

22G (0.7 mm) needles should be used. The needle should be inserted as far as possible in the distal end of the upper (humeral) part of the wing. The vein is fairly mobile and a haematoma forms easily during puncture. — Venepuncture

If the needle is in the correct position, blood should run quickly into the tube. — Blood flow

The tube is removed from the needle before the needle is retracted from the vein. It is very important that blood flow is stopped by pressing a ball of cotton wool firmly against the puncture site. — Tube removal

It is also possible to aspirate blood using a syringe. — Use of a syringe

1, 2 or 5 ml syringes are used for aspiration. — Choice of syringe

The jugular vein can be seen here. The vein can be used for the same techniques, but it is smaller and more mobile. — The jugular vein

Subcutaneous injection and cardiac puncture

Two operators participate in subcutaneous injections. — Two operators

Subcutaneous injections are performed where there is most body mass. The skin over the breast and upper wing are suitable sites. — Choice of site

The injection is made slowly and with care. — The injection

The injection from another angle. — The injection

The skin is very thin. The needle and injection fluid can be seen through the skin. — The skin

The hen must be in full terminal anaesthesia. — Terminal anaesthesia

A stethoscope is useful to locate the heart. — Auscultation

Reflexes are checked using a forceps — Reflexes

The needle must be immobilised with the left hand to avoid movement. — Blood removal

Please note that the vein referred to as the ulnar vein in this series is in fact the basilic vein (vena basilica). This will be corrected as soon as possible.

See also:
Mählis et al. (2023): Clicker Training as an Applied Refinement Measure in Chickens
and other links in the section of this website on Farm Animals

This page was updated on 16 September 2024

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