The Poultry Keeper

apollo · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

Hi all
Im new here so please be gentle.

This may sound like a very odd question but Im wondering if anyone can help.

Are there any safe sedatives that can be used for chickens/ducks

I know obviously of ones for dogs/cats/rabbits etc but I need to know if I can get anything for my feathered friend.

Thank you so much in advance, really appreciate any help anyone can give me

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7424 Location: isle of lewis

can i ask why you need them ,there are but not sure which ones

apollo · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

Of course.

I live in Tenerife but at the mo am in the UK and have been for several months due to very unfortunate circumstances.

Anyway, I aquired a beautiful duck who I love to bits and intend to take her home with me in November when I go back.
I am going by land and sea as we are driving but I want to be able to sedate her for such times as the ferry crossing etc as I want to inflict minimal stress on her.

Thanks

CP · Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 10:58 am Post subject:

I would think the best option would be to consult a poultry vet. You probably wouldn't be able to buy anything without a prescription anyway. Wink

apollo · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

I dont want anything hardcore, nothing POM.
Just something homeopathic but effective.
I want it as safe as possible for her

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3540 Location: Monmouthshire

I would advise against sedation. She needs to be in approved carrier - a plastic carrier is idea - and you should be able to give her water without opening it. Cat carriers have water pots which clip tightly to the door and a 1lt pop bottle can be used to replenish it. Mine have 'anti-slop' rims.
If you sedate her, she may not be as well able to keep her balance as usual, so any rough seas will be doubly distressing, as would sudden stops and starts. Birds are usually good travellers & just settle down to sleep.

Elly · Joined: 18 Apr 2008 Posts: 356 Location: Norfolk

Have a look at this website as I have heard of plenty of people using the rescue remedy for birds.
http://www.bachshop.co.uk/catalog/index.php?cPath=rescue_remedy
Probably be best to seek some advice from a vet as well. I'm sure you could find one who is hemo friendly Smile

Keep smilin
Elly

MaisytheDobe · Joined: 08 Dec 2007 Posts: 79

Yes you can use rescue remedy for birds.

Might be just best to put her in a carrier and keep the carrier dark as birds settle down to sleep in the dark. Just bear in mind though that birds don't eat or drink in the dark so to allow time for her to eat and drink if its a long journey.

jubilee · Joined: 04 Jun 2008 Posts: 125 Location: nottinghamshire

I agree with the above post, i would just keep her in the carrier, covered over to keep it dark, and just keep making stops to allow her to eat and drink then she should just go back to sleep, sedatives also have nasty habits of stopping the heart and reduce the oxygen intake, too many risks for my liking. good luck getting her home, hope it all goes well, xx

apollo · Joined: 08 Sep 2008 Posts: 4

Thank you all so much for your replies, some very helpful info there.
Sorry for my delay in replying.

Looks like Rescue remedy might be the way forward.

Thanks again Smile

Teasal · Posted: Thu Sep 18, 2008 4:07 pm Post subject:

Rescue Remedy is definitely what I would use in this situation. You can put it in the drinking water, or even dab some round the ducks beak. A lot safer I believe than sedation.