[helens-hens]

Am on the 3rd day of giving ABs to Henrietta. I generally have to do it by myself and I think she is getting wise to it as it is getting harder each time!

Sitting down with her underneath my right arm (I also try & put a towel round her) I then try and use my right hand to keep her hed still with my left hand holding the syringe but its becoming really difficult.

I had a look on youtube but there 1 person was holding the hen and a 2nd administered the medication. Has anyone any tips for managing by yourself?

[compostqueen]

I, like you, always ended up doing the job on my own. It's very difficult.  My feisty ginger hen would actually stretch her neck away from me to make it even harder    I had some straw bales in my run, which I'd sit on so at least I was stable.

It might be easier to do it when they've gone into bed, and are more amenable to being handled. I know it will be dark but get yourself a light of some description and all the tackle assembled ready, including getting the medicine into the syringe

Good luck 

[helens-hens]

Thanks for the reply compostqueen. I have been taking her out of the hen house when it is dark (morning and evening) and then take her into the house and try and do it sitting at a table, so at least I can see what I am doing (or trying to do!). Henrietta is the same as your ginger hen - the speed at which they can stretch / shorten / and move their necks is amazing !

At least I now know that I am not the only one who struggles 

Thanks again

[Chrysalis]

Does this method work on dogs and/or children?

[CluckyChicken]

I find this works:
You put them on their backs on your lap, and wait for them to stop struggling.  Then they relax, and you can tuck them up more into your arm so it is comfortable.  Then, hold open the beak with one hand, and squeeze the syringe with the other. 
This can take some practicing though!  :blink:

[helens-hens]

I managed it in record time this morning, about 1 min  . I sit down and have her on my right hand side, partly supported by my leg and right arm. Doing it this way means she has nothing to push down on with her feet so she is a bit more controllable and that makes it slightly easier to get hold of her head and pop the syringe in her mouth.

I am counting the number of times left.... only another 8 doses to go!

Thanks again

[ehs284]

Only way I've won is to roll in a towel, hold between knees and use one hand to open beak and other uses syringe. It's useful to work the syringe a few times before using for real as they 'stick' (how do you know I'm not a nurse?).

[VickyW]

Only way I've won is to roll in a towel, hold between knees and use one hand to open beak and other uses syringe. It's useful to work the syringe a few times before using for real as they 'stick' (how do you know I'm not a nurse?).

Right, I'm going to try this way in the morning. I assume the chicken's rolled in the towel, not me? 

[compostqueen]

   It's a game innit. Good luck with it    I've seen this chicken on its back thing and it seems to calm the bird right down and make them instantly chilled out    That's got to be a boon