Can I use an 18 gauge needle on a bantam rooster?

[InsaneBreeder]

I need to administer penicillin, and the lady at the feedstore said that I needed 18 gauge needles for penicillin, so I got them. When I was reading about how to administer it, the articles I was reading said to administer it using a 20 gauge needle or higher. So can I not use the 18 gauge needles? Do I need to get a higher gauge?

 

[Smoky73]

you can use 18 gauge on bantams yes. Sometimes the thickness of the medicine forces you to use the large size needle. I know my LA-200 has to have 20 or less (larger)

 

[SeaHen]

The 18-gauge needle is huge, even for a human. I'm guessing you were told to use it because the penicillin is viscous and difficult to push through. I'm sorry, I have no experience injecting chickens and am having difficulty picturing the procedure. What is the reason for not giving an antibiotic orally?

 

[hongyush2008]

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Well, as i see, 18 gauge is enough, don't worry.

 

[edselpdx]

It'll be fine. 18 gauge is not so huge and will be just fine. Trying to push a viscous med through a 22 gauge is worse.

 

[InsaneBreeder]

Thanks for all your advice!

SeaHen: I read that giving penicillin orally can have a detrimental impact on the bacteria in a bird's intestinal tract and that the injectable type is less harmful in that manner.

 

[tammyd57]

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Injectable anti-biotics can also wreak havoc with a bird's good bacteria. Start giving cultured yogurt to help balance the gut again. They'll think they're getting a treat

 

[InsaneBreeder]

Quote:
Injectable anti-biotics can also wreak havoc with a bird's good bacteria. Start giving cultured yogurt to help balance the gut again. They'll think they're getting a treat

Thanks for telling me. I will definitely give him some.

 

[spoggy]

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Injectable anti-biotics can also wreak havoc with a bird's good bacteria. Start giving cultured yogurt to help balance the gut again. They'll think they're getting a treat

Be prepaired for diarrhea. Chickens are incapable of digesting lactose, they lack the needed enzymes. Essentially, all chickens are lactose-intolerant, so very small amounts is the way to go.

 

[tammyd57]

Quote:
Injectable anti-biotics can also wreak havoc with a bird's good bacteria. Start giving cultured yogurt to help balance the gut again. They'll think they're getting a treat

Be prepaired for diarrhea. Chickens are incapable of digesting lactose, they lack the needed enzymes. Essentially, all chickens are lactose-intolerant, so very small amounts is the way to go.

Yes, only small amounts for several days is plenty. I wouldn't give more than a teaspoon or so at a time.