Can’t syringe feed!

[PeggyAndBettysMum]

Good morning!
The vet has given me a 12ml normal looking syringe for feeding Peggy.
It sticks when trying to push the plunger down so she is wearing half her food
I can’t hold her and put the narrow end in her mouth as she panics!
Is there any other way I can feed her this recovery food?

 

[VickiA]

Good morning!
The vet has given me a 12ml normal looking syringe for feeding Peggy.
It sticks when trying to push the plunger down so she is wearing half her food
I can’t hold her and put the narrow end in her mouth as she panics!
Is there any other way I can feed her this recovery food?

can you get any smaller syringes? I use 1 ml ones with the tip cut off. A pharmacy would have some if you asked.
or will she take it off a spoon?

 

[PeggyAndBettysMum]

She won’t take it off a spoon. I’ll have to try and get a small syringe tomorrow. That’s if she’s not too traumatised from wearing it

 

[PigglePuggle]

We also use 1ml syringes with the tip cut off to make it wider, would she lick the recovery food off a slice of cucumber?

 

[PeggyAndBettysMum]

That’s a good idea! I’ll try that now!

 

[Wiebke]

If your piggy is not eating at all, then you need to try and get ideally 40-60 ml into her over 24 hours; the less you get in one go, then more often you have to feed.

Try to mix the formula with mushed up pellets or just feed pellet mush (if necessary with a 1 ml medication syringe with a cut off tip). That often goes down better as it is a familiar taste.

Here is our detailed and practical syringe feeding guide, which also has an illustrated chapter on who deal best with uncooperative piggies. Complete Syringe Feeding Guide

Use our piggy whispering tips to assert your authority in a friendly way and give a lot of assurance by giving her plenty of piggy kisses and vocal encouragement and praise. That can make a real difference with piggy behaviour.
Understanding Prey Animal Instincts, Guinea Pig Whispering And Cuddling Tips

The rest is practice... The more often you do it, the more proficient and confident you become, and that is transmitting to the piggy.

 

[tabelmabel]

I found the syringes that come with infant calpol (or calpol 6 plus or child nurophen) work well with critical care and mushed pellets.

 

[Two_Wheeks]

Same as tabelmabel, my Gboy wouldn't use the regular syringe, he liked the bigger one you get with the 6+ Calpol, gave him something to 'chew', which I think he thought is what made it come out...!