learn to Crop needle it could save your birds life

I am starting this thread with the awareness that it may cause a debate but I am hoping not
I would just like to share my opinion and put forward an idea
it is up to the individual if they take it or not

The 1st thing I must mention is that I am advising this Soley for medical purposes not for feeding ( unless there is a medical reason why)

2ndly you must and I emphasize must learn this from a certified avian vet

Next time your at your vets ask him to show you how to use a crop needle
( admitidly I only have a baby so not much issue to restrain and biting ) but this is very easy to learn
Your vet can show you in about 5 mins ANd I must stress don't just watch
have a go yourself several times if needed

My vet showed me twice and I did it twice and I now feel comfortable In preforming this
( I only learnt because my young baby won't feed any other way ) but now that I know how to do it and I have the needle ( important note , purchase a needle for your 1st aid kit) I feel confident to medicate my bird should need be


What if your bird eats or drinks something they shouldn't or even starts choking on something

Now you can grab your needle and flush his system with warm water
( I mention choking as the vet mentioned it to me
she said the best thing to do is use the needle to push the object into the crop and get to the vet imeediatly , yes it may lead to an operation but least your bird won't die choking )

as I have stated this is just my opinion and I hope that many of us never have to use it but now that I know it I feel strongly it's a skill everyone should atleast learn

It's up to you to make your decision

I haven't got a crop needle, but am planning on getting one and learning how to use it. It is something you should always have on hand. It has saved lives. If you have sick bird that is not eating, you can at least get some food into it.

I am totality unfamiliar with this. Any links where I can learn more?

bogo1 said:

I am totality unfamiliar with this. Any links where I can learn more?

Click to expand...

Most informative link below

Bird Health - Emergencies - ER Formula & Crop Needle Technique

The one thing my vet told me which is most important is to be able to feel the needle or tube as it goes down
if you can feel it it's in the right place
if not it's in the wind pipe and must be removed immediatly

Easier said than done with a wriggly bird but generally if you go in on the left hand side following against the beak it will be in the right place


But do not try this at home without a vet showing you 1st

AND, do not put your finger on the plunger as it goes down, that way if it accidently goes down the wrong way, it can be retrieved easily. Even the most experienced can kill a bird accidently by piercing the trachea (?), but it is worth the risk if it might save your bird's life.