fbpx
  1. Home
  2. Birds
  3. Crop Needle Selection
Searching...

Crop Needle Selection

What size crop needle should I use to feed my bird?

The table below gives a good guide to what size crop needle is suitable for different bird species.

 

 Bird Species  Bodyweight  Crop Volume  Needle Size
 Finch  12 – 20g  0.5mL  18 gauge
 Canary  20 – 25g  0.5mL  18 gauge
 Budgie  35 – 50g  1-2mL  16 gauge
 Neophema  40 – 50g  1.5 – 2.5mL  16 gauge
 Cockatiel  80 – 90g  4 – 5mL  14 gauge
 Eastern Rosella  80 – 110g  5 – 10mL  12 gauge
 Princess Parrot  100 – 120g  5 – 10mL  12 gauge
 Galah  300 – 350g  10 – 20mL  10 gauge
 Pigeon  300 – 500g  30 – 60mL  8 gauge
 White Cockatoo  600 – 900g  30 – 50mL  8 gauge

 

For advise on how to feed your bird using a crop needle please visit our Help Centre Article “How To Use A Crop Needle“.

Tagged:

Was this article helpful?

Yes No

About The Author

Bec

From a very young age Bec has always had a great love and appreciation for all animals. Bec is a qualified Veterinary Nurse and also has a Bachelor in Applied Science Animal Studies with special interest in Wildlife and Recreational Animals. Her studies have been put to good use working in various animal industries including small and large animal veterinary clinics, horse studs and the family cattle property. Horses have played an important part in her life, living on a horse stud and caring for horses throughout breeding, foaling, spelling, racing and retirement. Bec is the proud mum of two gorgeous girls, a beautiful Cocker Spaniel, chickens and many horses including a cheeky little pony.

Related Articles

Still need help?
If you can't find the answer you're looking for
Contact Us

Comments

  1. Hi Bec and VetnPet direct.

    Thanks for your time. I see from your c hart that it is advised that an adult cockatoo could be administered food/medication with an 8 gauge crop needle. I am completing an assessment at the moment for my Cert III Captive Animals studies and am doing a hand raising manual for a Red-tailed black cockatoo. But because I am feeding a chick u to weaning age I presume t hat it isn’t appropriate to use such a big crop needle. I appreciate that I should be using the biggest gauge that is safe for a birds oesphagus, but would you have any further advice on this please.

    Thanks again – stay safe.

    Regards,

    Jeff

    1. Hi Jeff,

      I would give Vetafarm a call, they are the manufacturers of the crop needles and a wealth of information when it comes to caring for birds. Good luck with your course.

      🙂
      Bec

Leave a Comment