Getting Birds Thirsty to Drink Meds w/o Killing Them

[sierranomad]

Regarding getting birds to drink their medicine, the Breeders Companion suggests taking water away at 4:00 p.m. the day before meds are given; give them meds at 9:00 a.m. and leave it in their for 2 hours. Take out the meds at 11:00 a.m. and give them fresh water. The goal is to get them thirsty enough so that they will take a good first drink (may refuse to drink again after the first taste - thus the suggestion to replace with fresh water after just 2 hours).

This approach makes sense to me, but I must admit that it makes me a little nervous...I don't want the little birds to die of thirst.

How long can a bird safely go without water in cool weather? In hot weather?
Also, when the birds are new and in quarantine, would this approach give them undue stress, causing more harm than good?

Thank you,

[Tiaris]

Just requires a bit of common sense with weather conditions (not when too hot or obviously when raining) also need to withhold other possible sources of moisture such as cucumber, fruits, etc. On warmer days you can just take water out early morning & give medicated water a couple of hours later & that can be enough to make them keen. If weather isn't hot they can certainly go without water for longer than feed without being overstressed. Depends to some extent on the species too.

[Tiaris]

Mainly an issue with bitter medications which require relatively strong solution to be offered. Low dilution medications don't have much of a put-off with my birds so I don't need to withhold water at all.

[SamDavis]

I used this strategy earlier this year so I could medicate with Wormout gel (which they really hate) for a change. Seemed to work as they all immediately bolted down for a drink - not sure if it was effective in terms of getting a sufficient dose. I usually use moxidectin+ and my birds don't seem to have a problem drinking it, so the problem doesn't arise.

[sierranomad]

Very helpful! Thank you Tiaris and SamDavis!!

[vettepilot_6]

If you are using a bitter solution add a bit of strawberry flavouring to the mix.... Works for me

[jusdeb]

Yep raspberry cordial works too and will settle any upset bellies from the meds .

[sierranomad]

Great! Thanks for the tip, I'll give it a try.