Unsecure chicken perches

[jackie45]

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

[majuka]

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.

[Redwing]

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

[Daphne]

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.