[judesailor]

One of our Ex-Bats tripped yesterday leaving the roost and it looks as though the claw on the back of her foot is hanging off somewhat - she is very docile this morning and not really interested in food - it is down to the quick as well - any advice please as worried about her.

Judith

[compostqueen]

oooh dear, sorry to hear that. I bet it's very sore. I don't know what to do but I'm sure someone on here will be along shortly to offer expert advice. I'd take her to the vet myself to get the claw sorted out and some antibiotics

[joyfull]

me too, somebody else had a hen on here that almost ripped off a claw and they got the vet to remove it, she survived and was quite happy afterwards.

[Jeanette]

A trip to the vet is needed.

[judesailor]

We did go to the vet - the offending claw fell off itself in the end.

Now the lovely task of administering pain killer and antibiotics - has anyone good tried and tested methods for this (from a siringe into mouth) as not sure how you hold and administer all at the same time - never mind trying to open her beak!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jeanette]

When i have to do something that they dont like i wrap them up in a old towel first they are easier to handle that way and wont hurt themselves struggling

[joyfull]

It is quite easy. Tuck her under one arm (if you struggle then wrap her in a towel) rest her on a solid base and with the same hand use your first finger and thumb to prize open the beak. Take your prepared syringe and squirt it down her throat, it really is easy  

[compostqueen]

Easy!  I found it really hard.  My girlie kept stretching her neck 

[ehs284]

You need to be a bit flexible, but this is the way we've fed and given drugs to ours. Prepare the syringe and any refills and put at right hand side. Check that the syringe slides easily when pressed with moderate pressure. Only half fill the syringe to avoid it locking. Kneel down with the bird in front between your legs and facing to the front. (Assuming right handed - if not reverse) - Talk to the bird all the time. Hold the head in left hand and gently move so the beak is very slightly up and the head is slightly tilted away from you. Take some time here to let the bird feel safe. Open the beak with the fingernail of the right hand and put fingernail of left hand into beak - it doesn't need to be fully open. Using thumb and two first fingers syringe into beak. Not too much and release beak so bird can swallow.
It might not be the quickest way, but it works for one person and doesn't frighten the bird, so you won't have a fight the next time you need to do it. HTH