When an animal gets sick, we all have a terrible time! But, beyond the support we want to give them, these are situations that pose a challenge because not all animals cooperate in the same way with cures or medication.
Each species is different, and they have their own complications or characteristics. One of the main problems is usually how to find the best way to medicate your bird , since it is one of those animals that makes it difficult to take medication.
5 Tips for Administering Medicines to Birds
It is very important that, at the moment you know that you should give your bird medication, you inform your veterinarian about everything . He will be the one who tells you what you should give him, how much, how often… And, in the same way, he will inform you about the best options to give medication successfully.
Still, there are five basic tips that we should all know:
- Separate birds if necessary : Knowing how the mediation, or even the disease, of a sick bird can affect its healthy companions is essential. If necessary, they must be separated, even if it is only during medication intake.
- Give the animal time : both before taking the medication, so that it calms down, and after the dose. Pamper him, help him, and dedicate the time he needs. When you are sick you also need to live your processes calmly.
- Know proper administration and storage – Some medication needs to be kept cold, and other bottles need to be shaken before administration. Knowing these characteristics is essential for everything to go well.
- Keep the medication from soiling the bird : It can be difficult, but if everything falls on the bird you will have to clean it well. The cleaner the administration, the better.
- Do not repeat the dose : If, for whatever reason, you are not sure that you have taken everything you need, do not repeat the dose. Overmedication can have very serious consequences. Wait for the next dose.
3 Types of medicines for birds
When it comes to medicating your bird , there are three types of medications that we can find on the market and that are administered in different ways. These three types are differentiated based on the method of application:
- Medicines dissolved in water : they are usually vitamins and antibiotics. They dissolve easily and quickly in the bird’s water for them to consume while drinking and hydrating. To dissolve it, it is important to pay attention to the correct amount of water, so that there is not too much condensate or too much dissolved.
In addition, you have to be aware that the animal drinks water frequently. This will be synonymous with taking the medication, but also with good health. If an animal does not want to drink anything, it is a warning sign.
Despite how easy it may seem, it is one of the least recommended options because you lose control of how much you take or how long. It can be useful in large-scale farms, but whenever it can be avoided, it is preferable to resort to other types of medication.
- Medicines mixed with the food : Similar to the previous ones, these are mixed with the food instead of dissolving it in the water. It is often used in cases of vitamins or supplements, and is a much more suitable option. It allows the medication to be included in the animal’s usual ration, so the chances are high that it will take the entire dose at once.
There are two basic tips to keep in mind. On the one hand, the powdered mediation should not be mixed with dry food or it will end up at the bottom of the feeder. On the other hand, do not overfill the container. Digging around for your favorite parts can inadvertently leave medication out. If the feeder is in the middle, it will be more difficult for him to throw pieces out.
- Medications in the beak – This is the favorite choice of veterinarians. Learning how to pick up birds and administer medication directly to their beaks is the best guarantee that you are getting everything you need.
To administer this type of medication, a syringe must be used with which to deposit the dose in the beak.
Not all birds are equally sociable and therefore not all are going to get along. For this reason, you should start by reassuring the animal with love and gentleness. When it is at peace, the syringe (without a needle) is inserted through the side of the beak. Holding the animal well, the syringe is tightened little by little, until the bird takes the entire dose.
Even if the bird does not open its beak or resists, there is always a gap between the top of the beak and the bottom, and this is big enough for the beginning of the needle to enter.
Most veterinarians will prefer to teach you how to pick up your birds and administer medication correctly at the beak, but it is always good to know all the alternatives in order to have a plan B.
