Crop Needle Technique

The pet shop owner needs to know the art of using a crop needle to feed and medicate ill birds.

Some tips when crop needling birds:

1. Always lubricate the crop needle prior to use. A small amount of oil helps the tube to slide into the fragile and often dry oesophagus.
2. Make the formula very warm (39 degrees Celsius) and fresh each meal. Pre-warm the syringe and needle. Use hot water and not a microwave to heat the formula as this avoids "hot spots" which will burn the crop lining.
3. Clean and disinfect (Water Cleanser) the crop needle and feeding syringe after every feeding.
4. Extend the neck as the needle is slowly introduced from the right side of the beak to the left side of the back of the mouth. The crop needle is then passed gently into the crop. Check it is in the crop by feeling for the crop needle through the skin on the outside of the crop. Now slowly inject the formula into the crop.
5. Fill the crop with 2mls of solution or until the tongue moves in a swallowing motion and then quickly but gently remove the needle.