Cannot grab my budgie to give her medicine

[limone1998]

I have to give her medicine twice a day, it's such a small amount but I cannot grab her for the life of me. I keep trying and I swear no matter how close I am she is so much faster and I caught her like three times this morning and she got out of my hand and wouldn't even open for the medicine. I try and close the light but it's soo hard to do with one person. She is so scared of my hands I don't know what to do. Should I use food for the medicine? It's a disaster lol 

[Marianne Marlow]

Some people use a tea-towel to wrap the bird in and give the meds that way, or is there anyone that can hold her for you?

[limone1998]

Jan 26, 2022 9:34:47 GMT Marianne Marlow said:

Some people use a tea-towel to wrap the bird in and give the meds that way, or is there anyone that can hold her for you?

No, I live alone. The issue is even getting her in my hand. I am so slow and whenever I try with a towel or my hand it's so hard. I really think I need to put her in a smaller cage. I also think I am going to push for the vet to see me earlier, I originally went to the emergency vet but they couldn't even test anything which is so stupid. They gave me these antibiotics but she's still pluking her lips and it's getting worse. 

[tweetiepiesmom]

Sounds like another vet visit might be the thing to do.

You might try this to catch her. Get a small cloth - I use a dish washing cloth. When she's on the bottom of the cage, drop the cloth over her and as quickly as you can, scoop her up.

Good luck!

[limone1998]

Jan 26, 2022 16:36:09 GMT tweetiepiesmom said:

Sounds like another vet visit might be the thing to do.

You might try this to catch her. Get a small cloth - I use a dish washing cloth. When she's on the bottom of the cage, drop the cloth over her and as quickly as you can, scoop her up.

Good luck!

Yeah, I am happy I went to the emergency even though it was a lot of money because they didn't see anything immediate, but it sucks they had no way of testing anything. I have an urgent appointment Friday with another vet that can do poo and blood tests. I will keep you posted! While she's itching a lot and plucking, she is still eating a lot and drinking so that is good! 

[Hezz]

Emergency vets are usually just that - there for emergencies, life or death situations rather than general diagnoses. I doubt they would even do follow up appointments, or they would end up being the same as all the others with no time for what they set up for in the first place.

A smaller cage usually works better, and a sick bird can often do better in an enclosed space as they don’t use up as much energy moving around.