Bird Emergency Highway 911

[birdlvr466]

Thank you Betty. Cayenne Pepper is also an analgesic so it helps with pain.

[Nelson & Gang]

Here is the information that I put together for the rescue group I belong to. It also includes emergency evacuation information and holistic substitute information:

I was looking through the forum for Fantastic Feathers & noted that there is no recommendation for a 1st aid kit in case of emergencies. There is a mention in a "topic" back in 2006 in the Parrot Paraphernalia section about it, but it doesn't really have anything specific.

I had previously put together the below which may make a good sticky w/ information on this particular topic ... if interested.

Emergency Bird 1st Aid Kit (When Seconds Count)

Putting together a Bird First Aid Kit so you are prepared to treat a bird emergency when seconds count.

A Bird First Aid Kit does not replace the need for a qualified avian veterinarian. These items are only recommended to assist you in stabalizing your bird in an emergency situation, to assess your injury and contact your avian vet.

· Small box or carry bag to keep all items in

· Styptic Powder to stop toenail/feather bleeding - or small container w/ corn starch or flour

· Latex Gloves (or Nitrile if any caretakers have latex allergy)

· 1 oz. Eye and Skin Wash for flushing eyes or wounds

· 1" x 6 yd. Sterile Gauze Bandage to wrap wounds, vet wrap (can be larger or smaller depending on bird size)

· Scissors for trimming feathers and cutting bandage tape (make sure the scissors are sharp - dull scissors in an emergency is not a good thing)

· Pair of 5" Locking Forceps for removing broken blood feathers

· 2 PVP Iodine Antiseptic Swabs for sterilization

· 2 Antiseptic Towelettes for cleaning wounds and hands

· 2" x 2" Gauze Pads to cover wounds (smaller or larger depending on bird size)

· Cotton Swabs for application of oinment and creams

· 1/2" x 2 1/2 yd. Adhesive Tape to secure bandage, if necessary

· Hand Wipes for personal cleanup

· Bird Emergency Card - listing all of your information, bird information, vet information, emergency center, poision control, etc.

· Avix Soother, or other ointment* for application to small lacerations or open wounds if necessary. *It's important to make sure any ointment used is water based. Whether hot or cold, oil and feathers do not mix. Do not use oil or grease based ointments on a bird for any reason. Oils mat down feathers, decrease their insulation qualities and make a bird susceptible to chills leading to other health problems. Examples of products to avoid include Vaseline, mineral oil, oil based ointments or salves (including some sold in pet stores). Triple antibacterial ointments can be used on areas w/ no feathers; feet, beak, vent, or a plucked area. It should not be used any where on feathered areas.

· Pedialyte (not grape) in case of fluid necessity. *See below*

· Always keep food/pellets handy in case you need an immediate trip to the vet.

· A flashlight.

· A heating pad, which can be used for added warmth if necessary. Heat is immediately necessary in the event of shock or blood loss.

· Extra pair of glasses (if you need to wear them to read or see so you don’t have to spend any time looking for them)

Make sure to check the contents of your First Aid Kit periodically to make sure the contents are not outdated or expired.

Make sure your First Aid Kit is readily handy if you need it in an emergency ~ we keep ours in a box (magnetic on the back) stuck to the side of our refrigerator.

Keep a towel (size dependent on bird size) handy also. If you need to restrain your bird to easier assess the emergency issue, you won't have to hunt for one. We keep one in the cabinet beside the fridge for this reason. Grab the kit, grab the towel. A tube sock w/ the end cut-off can be an excellent way to temporarily stabilize mobility of your bird in the case of a wing injury. M2Mom has often mentioned the importance of having a pillow case(s) handy for an immediate evacuation situation ~ this can just as easily be kept in the same location as your emergency kit & towel if needed.

Keep a number for a neighbor in case you need quick help from someone (This can be added to your emergency card). If you need to assess an emergency and restrain your bird, you may not be able to do this alone. Having someone you can call quickly can be very beneficial, as well as having someone who can drive you if necessary. I also recommend having these numbers programmed as speed dial on your phone for easier accessibility during an emergency.

If you have an emergency ... keep calm. Do not panic. Think about your bird, what it needs, and panic later.

*Avoid the grape flavored pedialyte ...
Article Here
I've only used the regular & orange flavor in the past @ the recommendation of the vet and w/out any difficulty.

Knowledge of Avian CPR & Rescue Breathing* can be beneficial in an emergency situation. You should review the above link w/ information provided by WingWise and also keep it handy w/ your emergency kit. *Injury can occur if the techniques are not properly done, but injury to your bird is better than a dead bird. Contact your avian vet immediately after any breathing techniques are administered or required.

Herbal Additions* can be substituted or included in your kit as follows:

- Echinacea & astragalus (both are immune system boosters). Echinacea is cooling and astragalus is warming. Both can help with respiratory and digestive disorders.

- Slippery elm and marshmallow (both are cooling and soothing to respiratory and digestive problems)

- Garlic (skin infections, some viruses, strep, worms, respiratory ailments, blood thinning, colic, kidney problems), dandelion (kidney function, swelling, indigestion or digestive disorders, diarrhea, eye problems), milk thistle (liver function), St. John’s wort (nerve conditions, anxiety, unrest), golden seal and/or orgon grape (commonly used as an eyewash or mouthwash, but also aids in congestion, healing wounds, inflamed mucous membranes, fungal infections, yeast infections and digestive aid). 50/50 mix of goldenseal and garlic powder for antiseptic use on clean wounds

- Probiotics (aids in maintaining 'normal' levels of micro-organisms, especially during antibiotic therapy)

- Pot Marigold (Calendula) cream/ointment for cuts and scrapes

- Chickweed cream for insect stings and burns (Aloe vera mixed w/ St. John’s Wort can also be used for burns)

- Black ointment to draw splinters

- Tea Tree oil in a carrier oil for antiseptic/antifungal use

- Homeopathic Ledum for puncture wounds

- Saline solution

*Many avian veterinarians have knowledge and recommendations for holistic/herbal remedies and usages. You should not give any herbal remedies to your bird w/out first checking w/ your avian vet to determine when, how much and how often herbal additions should be given to your bird, based on size/weight and other health related factors.

[Trice]

Valueable information. Thanks BF!

[Thugluvgrl187]

Great info!! Thanks. I think this will definitely come in handy.