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Giving Medicine to Bird

Submitted by Michael Adams on January 12, 2010

If your bird is sick, the veterinarian would have prescribed some medication to treat the illness. Giving a bird medicine may be an extremely difficult task to carry out. However there are some simple tips which you can try out to make the entire process simpler.

Firstly, follow the instructions given by the veterinarian properly. Make a note of the dosage and times at which you need to administer it. Also keep in mind the total duration of the course.

It is best to take down this information in writing so that you can refer to it from time to time. The veterinarian will also be able to advise you on the best way of administering medication to the bird. You can ask him to demonstrate the method to you and also guide you on the right manner in which the bird must be handled. If at all there is an emergency, you need to be prepared for it. Inquire if there is a pet emergency clinic nearby and keep those contact numbers handy. Before giving the medication to the bird, keep all the tools and medicine ready. Then you need to restrain the bird using a towel. Catch the bird with the towel so that your hands remain hidden and the bird only sees the towel approaching. You can do this in a darkened area as the bird will remain temporarily grounded in one spot in darkness. Smaller birds may also be caught using a net. Soothe the bird by stroking and speaking softly. Ensure that no pressure is exerted on the bird’s chest as breathing problems may arise. Try and reduce the amount of time that you handle the bird as this will keep stress to a minimum and also prevent overheating. Then take the required dosage using a syringe. Holding the bird’s head, embrace the area of the neck that is connected to the lower jaw and place the syringe inside the mouth of the bird. Release the medicine at the back of the throat, while preventing the liquid from entering the air passage of the bird. Other medications may be added to the bird’s food and water.

If the bird does not eat or drink and administrating the medicine becomes difficult, consult a veterinarian. The veterinarian may need to force feed the bird to prevent dehydration. He may also administer the medicine in other ways such as through an injection or eye and nasal drops.

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