jackie45 Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Charlotte has not been her usual self so we decided to give her Nutri drops using the dropper supplied. How do you get a hen to open it's beak? Charlotte is still poorly so we are uncertain what to do. Jackie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
majuka Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 Sorry to hear that Charlotte is poorly. I've never used nutri drops so don't know if they can be added to a food, with various tablets we've disguised them in sweetcorn, macaroni etc. It might be easier if there are two of you, one to open the beak and the other to get the drops in. Ours are used to being handled but don't like it, I've just managed to slide the edge of my finger into the beak and open it that way. I hate doing it though, I worry about hurting my girls so will be watching this thread with interest to see if there is a better way. Good luck with your girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 I gently pinch the beak to open it then use a finger to hold it open I find that a small syringe (without needle!) is better to get meds in to a chook - the nutridrop dropper is a bit chunky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daphne Posted April 11, 2011 Share Posted April 11, 2011 I do the same as Tasha but its definitely easier with 2 people. If you're on your own you can wrap the bird in a towel which stops the wings madly flapping. It gets easier with practice. Obviously being gentle is what we all aim for, but I have come to the conclusion that the birds are tougher than we might think and being a bit firm about the whole business gets it over quicker with less time for the bird to get agitated, but again this comes with confidence from practice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...