We always recommend that if your bird has any type of illness or injury, that it is taken to a vet as soon as possible. Time is of the essence with a sick bird, and often by the time the bird is showing symptoms, it is too late.
However, it is always good to have a basic first aid kit to hand. It should contain a few simple things that will be useful should your bird become injured, and you are able to care for them prior to or on route to the vet.
These are the basic minimum items that should be at hand in case of an emergency:
- A substance to stop bleeding (Cornflour is good for this, however there are proprietary brands available in all good pet shops.)
- Savlon cream (The ONLY human medication that can safely be used on a bird.
- Parrot Probiotics, calcium supplements etc.
- Electrolytes such as Guardian Angel.
- Bandage material (vet wrap, or micro-pore tape).
- A bird safe disinfectant (Such as F10 or Avisafe)
- Cotton wool balls or cotton buds.
- Forceps for pulling broken feathers, tweezers and nail clippers
- Sharp scissors
- A soft, dark, non-striped towel, for restraining an injured bird.
- Pen light and magnifying glass.
- Eye dropper (This must be well cleansed if it has been used for other purposes!)
- Nebuliser
- Important Telephone numbers (i.e. Vets, Taxi companies).
- A suitable sized bird carrier. Even if your bird is trained to travel on your shoulder, a carrier must be used in case your bird is physically injured or in shock. Also, they are at risk in the vet’s waiting room from other animals. Make sure you take a blanket or bath towel to cover the carrier, in order to keep them calm and warm.
DO NOT HESITATE TO TAKE YOUR BIRD(S) TO THE VETS IF YOU SUSPECT THAT THE BIRD IS ILL. THE ABOVE LISTS IS TO BE USED AS AN EMERGENCY MEASURE AND NOT AS A FORM OF CURE FOR A SICK BIRD!