Intravenous cannulation of hens for long-term infusion

Intravenous cannulation was performed on the brachial vein of the hen. The cannulation system consisted of a jacket that fitted around the body of the hen. An external sheath passed through the top of the cage, over a small pulley and was counter-weighted with lead. A subcutaneous polyethylene sheath was extended from the wing near the site of cannulation to the mid-point of the back between the wings and into the external sheath. Once the polyethylene cannula was inserted into and attached to the brachial vein, the free end was passed through the subcutaneous sheath, into and through the external sheath, and attached to a syringe or pump. No special post-cannulation care was necessary. The hens were housed in wire cages and received feed and water ad libitum. Twenty-four hens were continuously or intermittently infused for up to 73 days after cannulation.