PUTTING A FIRST AID KIT TOGETHER

When a bird is injured, you will need to stop the bleeding before you take your bird to the avian veterinarian. Apply direct pressure to the wounded area and once you can get the bleeding under control, then transport the bird to the veterinarian. Remember that the bird can bleed to death very rapidly.

Egg binding, seizures, concussions, protrusions from the vent, difficulty breathing, wheezing, broken bones, etc. need to be taken care of immediately. Get to the veterinarian ASAP!

It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit for your birds. Most of the items below can be bought at any drug store. Some of the other items you may have to go to a medical supply store to obtain. Whenever you take a trip with your bird, make sure that you bring along a miniature version of the listed items.

THE ITEMS IN THE KIT

1. List of veterinarians and other emergency numbers.
2. Sterile syringes, no needles: to squirt liquid over injured area or to give avian veterinarian prescribed medication.
3. Gauze sponges or pads: to clean the injured area.
4. Bandaging materials (gauze or ace bandage) make sure that it has lost most of its elasticity.
5. Towels to restrain the bird or cover the cage.
6. Rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl) or hydrogen peroxide: to clean an injured area or disinfect equipment.
7. Clotting agent (styptic powder, flour or corn starch): to stop bleeding.
8. Cotton tipped applicators (Q-tips): to help to clean the injured area.
9. Hot water bottle, heating pad, or heat light: to keep the bird warm.
10. Needle nosed pliers or hemostats: to pull blood feathers or to hold things.
11. Nail file: to file nails or beaks.
12. Sterile saline solution: to help clean or wet area to get a better look.
13. Povidone iodine scrub and solution (Betadine scrub): to help sterilize area or to be used to clean your hands.
14. Penlight flashlight: to provide you with extra light so you can see what you are looking at.
15. Tweezers, long and blunted are best: to help you remove material (i.e. seed caught in nares).
16. Hand-feeding formula or baby food: to give your bird some extra nutrition.
17. Small scissors: to cut gauze or bandaging material.
18. Apple juice (the best one to use), Pedialyte, dilute karo syrup: give to prevent dehydration.
19. Paper, pen and pencils: to write down what you did and when.
20. Wooden tongue depressors: to open your birds mouth, (not for use with larger birds).
21. Tape, (masking) won't stick to the feathers very well: to hold bandages in place.
22. Ziplock bags: to take samples to the vet such as fecals or ingested substances.
23. K-Y Jelly (water based lubricant).
24. Latex gloves: protects your hands against hazardous materials.
25. Sick cage such as an aquarium tank or small cage: to keep a sick or injured bird warm and quiet.

• NEVER apply oil anywhere on the bird!
• NEVER give over the counter medicines without an avian veterinarians approval. They can mask the symptoms of an illness which may result in an erroneous diagnosis!
• NEVER treat a bird yourself. This is something that your avian veterinarian must do! Do not self-medicate a bird, ever!
• NEVER use salves ointments, or creams if your bird gets burnt. Use cool water instead.
• NEVER give your bird medication meant for a human unless directed to do so by an avian veterinarian.