How do I give a roo a pill?

[dustbath]

How small? One drop at a time?

Thanks for all the advice and help everyone!

 

[Cara]

Did the vet have any suggestions? I've never heard of anyone prescribing pills for a bird!

 

[redhen]

Verrrrry carefully...

*sorry, just had to say it.*

 

[mypicklebird]

Birds in general do NOT do well with steroids, does your vet work with birds often? Some cage birds do get tumors that push on the sciatic nerve, but chickens aren't that. They DO get Marek's disease that infiltrates the sciatic nerve commonly, and causes leg paralysis. They also get other viral induced tumors neither really do well with steroids. Roosters also can get injuries that can cause them to limp.... steroids are really really unlikely to help a Marek's bird, and also won't help a injured bird heal. I would really consider getting a second opinion before giving steroids for a limp or a leg paralysis (assuming that is what your bird is doing).

 

[welovechickens]

I was going to say that if it was any of my chickens, all I'd have to do is throw it to them and they'd grab and swallow it immediately....especially if I started to chase them saying "NO! Don't eat that!"

LOL

 

[redhen]

Quote:

ooh SO true..

 

[dustbath]

The vet isn't an avian vet. He grew up on a chicken farm, though. He's the only one within hundreds of miles who will have anything to do with chickens, so I can't really get a second opinion.

He suggested mixing it with water or just experimenting until I find a way to feed it to the roo.

He said that the steroids would shrink any possible tumor or, if it's some other kind of swelling causing the problem, would lessen the inflamation.

He seems fine now, though. I may have to give up on the pills.

I have 8 pullets, housed separately. Should I vaccinate them against Marek's? Is this common among backyarders?