First Aid Kit List

Most of the following can be found at Drs. Foster and Smith

 

Plastic critter carrier for hospital run, enclosed completely with slits for breathing but will hold heat better than open bar/carriers.

 

Hot hands warmers..these non toxic packets last up to 18 hours..need to cover them well with heavy cloths as they do heat up..shake to activate (heat is usually needed immediately in cases of shock and blood loss)(a rubber glove filled with hot water and fastened securely will work also).

 

Have plenty of white, fluffy washcloths and several large towels in your emergency bag. (Please practice toweling on your bird..don't hold too tight, speak softly to them, offer treat..this will prepare them for handling by the vet and make a scary situation much easier).

 

Duffel Bag which will hold carrier securely and allow you to pack supplies..leave open

 

Cornstarch, styptic powder, silver nitrate stick to stop bleeding (use styptic and silver nitrate on beak and nails only)and/or Quik stop

 

These are all lifesavers: blunt tip scissors, nail clippers, nail file, blunt end tweezers, pen light, eye dropper, syringes, cotton swabs hydrogen peroxide, saline solution for eyes,basic bandages, gauze pads and gauze rolls, masking tape (won't stick to birds' feathers) vet wrap,

 

Pedialite or orange juice for quick energy/(check out ornalyte and others which are available to rehydrate quickly ). Pro Bac also gives an energy boost.

All of these supplies will fit in a tackle type box or medium size drawer...When seconds count you can be ready!

Heat, dark calm spot in carrier, and quick trip to vet or emergency clinic gives all of our fids the best chance to survive when illness is FIRST suspected.

Pull blood feathers completely and apply corn starch or quick stop to control bleeding...rush to vet if bleeding does not stop, apply pressure to control bleeding or wrap tightly

Don't panic, your bird will feel it...handle your bird as little as possible..or hold bird in cupped hands steadily...do not move in and out of carrier checking and creating more anxiety.

Remember..even ill, your bird could still escape.

Always remember, if you know your bird, you know when something is not right with them... Don't second guess it..Birds and all prey species survive in the wild by NEVER showing sickness..usually by the time you see exaggerated symptoms it may be too late!