Conceal the taste of medication?

[Zelle]

Does anyone know of a food that I can mix meds with that will disguise the taste of it? I have to give my Macaw antibiotics twice a day. My vet said “just put it on her food, they like it, it’s sweet.” I’m sure he never tasted it. It’s really really bitter and my bird won’t eat anything with the medicine on it.

 

[Wasabisaurus]

My tiel needs two meds daily, and the local compounding pharmacy gives it a tutti fruity flavor. Snuggles takes it, no problem. Do you have a compounding pharmacy nearby?

 

[lexalayne]

I always ask the vet to make it extra tasty and it helps. The first time one had medicine she would spit it even after she had sweetened it up so know I for extra in their medicine.

 

[echobird]

I didn't know they can flavor the meds. How do you go about getting them flavored? My girls are on meds currently and Echo all but gags when she has to take hers.

 

[expressmailtome]

You could ask your veterinarian if you can use some orange juice to mask the taste.

 

[DQTimnehs]

My vet makes it fruit flavored too and Itsy seemed to like it after getting used to it. Darby just started today and I didn't want to towel him if I didn't have to. He loves fruit juices so I thought he might like it. Nope. I added a bit of no sugar added cranberry juice to it. It was still a struggle to get him to drink it and he left a bit.

 

[Wasabisaurus]

Ash, I have our vet call in the initial prescription to our compounding pharmacy, Saveway. Googling compounding pharmacies in California, I see there is a Saveway in San Jose.

Your vet may be able to compound meds so your bird gets it in liquid form. If the vet cannot compound, ask him or her if (s)he knows someone who can compound.

Before Sashimi, our cockatiel, flew over the Rainbow Bridge, we had two birds on compounded meds, so it was vital to be able to give meds with relative success. Sometimes he spat out a bit, but mostly he took it well. Our second cockatiel, still with us, takes meds, too.

 

[Karen]

My tiel needs two meds daily, and the local compounding pharmacy gives it a tutti fruity flavor. Snuggles takes it, no problem. Do you have a compounding pharmacy nearby?

I also get all meds compounded for my Macaws. Not only does it mask the taste it also concentrates it so they can take a lesser amount.

 

[echobird]

Thank you @Wasabisaurus I will ask my vet about at our next appointment!

 

[Zelle]

It is Baytril Liquid and already flavored and sweetened. I tasted it and it is still very bitter. Thank you everyone for your suggestions.

 

[Zelle]

I also get all meds compounded for my Macaws. Not only does it mask the taste it also concentrates it so they can take a lesser amount.

I have a compounding pharmacy near me. I'll give them a call.

 

[Emma Girl]

If anyone is still interested........Diamondback Drugs, Scottsdale, Az 866/578-4420. I had my cat's monthly RX compounded as a transdermal cream rather than a pill or a liquid. So easy. I just rubbed a little in her ear. I'd imagine they can make a transdermal for birds also. Diamondback is a compounding pharmacy only and only for animals.

Welcome to my first ever post!