Solitary chicken - need advice

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I've got to give Beth antibiotics by syringe twice a day for 10 days. Day one wasn't too bad but just now I couldn't get her to open her beak. She just wriggles her neck down . Her head's so small there's nothing to hold onto .

 

Is there a technique?

[Chucky Mama]

I go in via the side of 'mouth' rather than the beak if you see what I mean. It is easier to open and poke a syringe into that part of the mouth than trying to prise and hold the beak open.

[Auntie FiFi]

Hi - yes it can be a bit tricky - I do always think when it becomes harder they're obviously starting to feel a bit better! Anyway, I have found it is best to wrap the chickie in a towel so they can't flap their wings, then put your hand round the head from the back, if you see what I mean. I have the back of the head/neck in the palm of my hand and put my thumb and forefinger from the back of the head to the beak and just try and gently get the beak open. Sometimes a finger nail helps. Good luck x

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Thanks, all . Brought her indoors and OH held her in a towel while I went in at the side as suggested . There was a bit of spray but most of it went down . I'd left it till dark so she was a bit sleepy.

[The Dogmother]

I find it easier to do with two people - one holds the hen and cups it's head in their hand with the beak pointing upwards. Use your fingernails to prise the beak apart and then pop your index finger in to keep it open. Trickle the meds in slowly, taking breaks to let the bird swallow.

 

I'll try to get some photos next time i need to do it.

[staceychristie]

Hope she's getting better. Make sure that you inject it a bit at a time, and give her time to breathe too. The way I do it is to just stick a finger nail in the side (CAREFULLY) of the beak.

If she gets flustered, then just give her a little cuddle, and let her settle.

 

Good luck

 

Stacey

[Egghead68]

Mixing ribena with the baytril makes it much less bitter for them.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

It's actually Septrin Paed Suspension not Baytril and tastes sweet like Calpol . Still couldn't get more than 1ml down her this morning so resorted to squirting it on some mealworms which went down within milliseconds .

 

Hope it's OK giving it that way? At least it's going down and there's no danger of her choking on it.