I'm not sure I can do this

[scott4687]

Well, I took my new baby to the vet today. Long story short, I have to give him two medicines with a syringe. The vet showed me how to do it, but I'm a little nervous about it. Do you think if I put it in his food it would be OK, as long as he eats it all. He is a big eater so I'm sure he'll eat it all. I just don't want to traumatize him, since he has only been home for a week now. I guess there is no real question here, he needs his medicine, I'm just not sure about this.
I'll take any advise you guys have....
Scott

 

[greycloud]

Ok, don't freak, it's not to bad. Wha meds and why?
If the meds are flavored the bird will usually take it fine. I am assuming this is your male eclectus. Lay a towel over hin and wrap your hand gently around the lower head at the base of the neck. He will make some noise. Wrap the towel around his wings and feet. Use a bath towel. Once he is wrapped you can rest his body, tummy facing you, in your lap or on a table. Have the syringes drawn up ahead of time. Place the syringe on the birds left near the middle of the beak and just offer sall drops at a time. Don't shoot it in his mouth. Aspiration can occur if it is too fast. Also he may fight you and you might need to pry his beak open with the syringe. You need to have him in an upright position not laying back. If he refuses the meds you can mix it with some apple juice.
I don't recommend putting it on his food. I know he is new to your home but he needs to get this medicine in him.

 

[scott4687]

Thanks for the reply greycloud! You decribed it just like the vet Yes, this is for my baby male eclectus. The meds are Nystatin and Clavamox. Both are drops. I've been making so much progress with Buddy, I just hope this does not blow all that progress. Boy it would be so much easier if I could just put it in his food.

 

[greycloud]

Here is a very informative link: Medicating Pet Birds Orally
Don't worry about him being angry at you right now. He is young and you have plenty of time to rebuild that trust. After medicating spend some extra loving and cuddling time so that he sees the ending is fun and good.

 

[Mel]

Greycloud has covered it well. I had to medicate my first parrot quite a lot. The vet said don't sneak up on him, he will remember it and not trust you. We would show Cooper the meds and say "medicine time" before getting him out of his cage. He didn't like it but he did accept it was part of our daily ritual. Good Luck

 

[scott4687]

Thanks everyone! I feel so much better now. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.
Have a good night,
Scott

 

[featherhead]

Here is a very informative link: Medicating Pet Birds Orally
Don't worry about him being angry at you right now. He is young and you have plenty of time to rebuild that trust. After medicating spend some extra loving and cuddling time so that he sees the ending is fun and good.

Thanks greycloud thats a great link

 

[scott4687]

Well here is an update: If the goal is to get the med all over the bird head then I am good!!! It's just too stressful for both of us. I found a great solution this morning, just put it in some rice and let it soak in. Then hand feed the rice until it's gone. Takes a little longer but it works. I asked the vet, and she said that would be fine as long as he gets it in him. I feel like such a wimp. lol

 

[Aussie Ben]

Great to see you have found a solution. Try to relax a little hey, your not a wimp Getting to know each other and getting these things working is a learning curve for both of you.
It is good to see you are contacting your vet for advice, you're showing all the signs of being a good birdie guardian.

Oh and BTW baby parrots are good at many things, but getting stuff all over their face is something they seem to excel at

 

[SunnyChic]

I'm so glad you found a solution, and won't have to be stressed anymore. I know you hated feeling anxious around your baby!

 

[Ratzy]

Glad you found a solution, my birds love the suringe though! Whenever I have to worm them, that comes in handy. They will fight over the suringe.
Don't feel like you're a wimp, I would have done the same.