I try to do everything I can to help feather babies as naturally as possible using mostly herbs. But occasionally there are times when they do need special medical attention. Since the vast majority of vets aren’t into Avian medicine (and a lot don’t do house calls anymore) this means most of us small farmers and homesteaders have to learn to administer antibiotics or other drugs to our ailing animals. If you’re like me, this is a daunting task and downright AWFUL. So if you’re apprehensive about this, you’re not alone. And since I do this lifestyle solo with no one else to hold the animal, it makes it even worse, BUT, you can do it. Please note: I am NOT a vet. I’ve learned through years of trial, error and vet assistance.
Presuming you’ve already gotten the meds from your vet (usually supplied in a small vial or already in syringes) here’s the process:
- Needles & Syringes: Unless the needle gage (opening of the needle that’s inserted into the skin) is higher than 25G (the higher the number the smaller the opening), I don’t recommend it unless that’s all you have on hand in an emergency. My favorite trick is to use diabetic needles/syringes – any pharmacy will have these and they are PERFECT for newbies since you can’t go too far. They go through the skin and into the muscle but not too far. These are great for even my quail. I’ve also found these to be cheaper than buying needles and syringes are farm stores or online. And they come in packs. Simply ask the pharmacist because they’re usually behind the counters. See the size difference below?
2. Latex Gloves (only necessary if the animal is messy near the injection area or messy in general), but you should always have these on hand in your animal first aid kit.
3. Individually wrapped, sterile, Alcohol wipes
4. I’ve found it’s easier to administer shots when the crop is mostly empty so I do this before breakfast and before their dinner.
If your vet provided large syringes/needles you can easily transfer the medicine into the smaller diabetic syringe. Simply remove the plunger on the smaller syringe, remove the cap from the needle of the larger syringe and insert the larger needle into the syringe to insert the medicine into the smaller syringe. Sometimes you have to tap the syringe to get thicker medicines to move to the bottom on the syringe (make sure there are no air bubbles inside the syringe). Carefully replace the plunger into the syringe that now has the medication. Note: sometimes the diabetic syringes don’t hold the full amount of medication – you’ll have to repeat the process with a second needle if so.
If your vet provided vials you can simply insert the diabetic needle into the rubber stopper (holding the vial upside down) and pulling the plunger back will slowly allow the medication to go into the syringe. If the medicine is thicker, ask for a needle and syringe from the vet – load that syringe then insert into the diabetic syringe (see paragraph above).
Next, securely hold the bird where their feet have a solid surface to stand on. If I sit, I use a towel over my legs so they have a more solid place to stand – giving their feet something solid helps keep them calm.
Using one arm to cradle and secure the bird around it’s body, I use that hand to separate feathers around the breast muscles so I can see skin. Press the skin down and you’ll notice you can see an occasional vein – avoid putting a needle on or near the vein. Find a clear, veinless spot with only breast muscle visible. Make sure there are no air bubbles inside the syringe – by pushing the plunger a bit you’ll see some medication escape from the needle. Wipe the chickens skin with alcohol pad and insert the needle to it’s end (if using a diabetic needle and it’s a full size chicken) then gently and steadily push the plunger until the medicine has been injected completely. Rub the area, give your baby lots of affection and then their meal. For sick birds I usually provide a special meal with raw garlic and other goodies they don’t normally get.
I’ve noticed a tremendous difference using the diabetic needles over conventional needles to the point where the birds hardly seem to notice. I’ll try to post pictures next time I have a bird needing shots. Hopefully this post will help some of you who are as squeamish as I am.
xo