Alternate to syringe - oral liquid meds for budgies

[Alliusis]

Hello everyone!

I got back from my vet visit last night for Lemon and Baxter. They have been unusually sleepy throughout the day, with mild tail bobbing, and Baxter has some discharge above his nares. They also have slightly inflamed crops.

My avian vet gave me some liquid antibiotics to administer twice a day for two weeks. (she also gave me iodine to apply in their armpits once a week for a month, which should help with the sleepiness). I am anxious administering the liquid medication as I don't want them to accidentally aspirate, and I'm not so confident in handling my birds yet. She did show me how to do it and I practiced administering it while she held the bird during my vet visit. She said if I wanted to try something like soaking it in a Nutriberry it could be a good alternative as the honey will absorb the medication, but I've only seen relatively large Nutriberries. I will be going out tomorrow to grab some supplies, but I'm low on funds so I'd like to be as educated as possible before going to buy some more things.

In your experience what's a good alternative to administering the medication via syringe for budgies?

 

[Hankmacaw]

You should really learn to do it with a syringe. If they ever need a precise dose that is the only way to get it in them. I know some people use a spoon, but again that loses quite a bit of medication. You can try soaking a tiny piece of bread with the dose and hoping they will eat the whole piece.

 

[Lady Jane]

Syringe is the best way. If you or someone else holds your bird upright and gives the med slowly in the left side of mouth it will work. Your vet can give you an extender for the syringe if you ask.

 

[Lady Jane]

This thread may help but go to first page.

Ideas for a tiny syringe for medication? | Page 2 | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum