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The idea of putting together a “first aid kit” for your bird seems strange. It may even be an overkill if you only have one bird. But it could save its life.

Since we have a lot of birds, and lots of minor injuries, we keep a fairly large kit. All are recommended, regardless of how many birds you have.

LET’S GET STARTED

There are a lot of items on our list, so you may want a big box to keep them in. We suggest a fishing tackle box. They have lots of trays with compartments for small items. It will make it easy to organize and your items will be fast to find. You certainly don’t want to rummage through a large box for a simple band aid and tube of Neosporin to fix a minor cut. Also find a large clean towel and roll it up. Then tie it to the handle (or somewhere convenient) in the event you need to secure your bird. When a bird is injured, it will be scared and panicky! You will need to find a safe way to secure it, or you will end up being the one using the first-aid kit…to fix a bad bird bite. By having it secured to your kit, you won’t have to search for one in a hurry.

WHAT YOU NEED

TOOLS

*Scissors – You need these for trimming the birds wings, cutting tape or bandages.

*Nail Snips – For trimming bird nails. Don’t get a cheap pair…they have to be sharp!

*Nail Files – We keep a metal one, plus the soft cosmetic ones. You could use a dremel tool (electric grinder), but it should be variable speed. They have some great battery operated ones. They work well for beak trimming. Just use them carefully.

*Hemostat and tweezers – You need these for pulling blood feathers, or other emergencies. On a tip from another breeder, we keep needle noses pliers in our kit for this, plus they can be used to rescue birds if their toe gets caught in bars/chains of the cage. This idea saved a birds life! Look for a pair with wire cutters built in also.

*Clamp on light – For when you need additional light while treating your pet, but don’t have a second hand to hold it. Clamps on table or cage. You can keep a penlight also.

*Magnifying Glasses – This may sound silly, but they come in very handy when trying to examine or do close up work. My eyesight isn’t the best, and it was recommended to me to try this. Works great!

*Hand Feeding Syringe/Spoons/Eye droppers – For emergency feeding of liquids or food. Sick birds will be seriously dehydrated, one the major causes of death.

FIRST AID MATERIALS

This is not only for the bird, but you too! Get a collection of band-aids, small bandages and compresses and Q-tips. Get cotton balls for cleaning wounds. All of these should be kept in small baggies to keep them clean.

*Vet wrap – This “tape” is made of material that is not sticky, but will stick to itself. Use this to hold splints and bandages, or to secure wings. Have some already cut up into 3 inch strips….you don’t want to waste time in an emergency doing this!

*Paper Tape – Also used for holding bandages in place, but I don’t like sticking it to feathers…You may not have a choice in some emergencies.

*Popsicle sticks – for splints

OINTMENTS/SUPPLIES

*Flour/Cornstarch – Get a small pill bottle to store this in. Mix this with water to create a paste, and apply it to bleeding feather or toenails to help clot the blood and stop bleeding.

*Kwik-Stop – This is also used for bleeding. Care must be used with this product. It’s safe on bird nails but can cause damage to skin, so not recommended for cuts or on blood feathers.

*Silver Nitrate Sticks – Again, can be used on bleeding nails but this is a very dangerous product. Use only as a last resort.

*GelFoam – This material is great for stopping bleeding, especially on legs and toes. You will need to ask your vet for this.

*Betedyne, Aloe Vera, Neosporin, Rubbing alcohol – disinfects and cleans wounds, helps with burns. Get some alcohol swabs, as they may be easier then using cotton balls or Q-Tips.

EMERGENCY FOODS/LIQUIDS

*Hand Feeding Power – Get a clean baby food jar to keep this in…When needed just add some hot water and mix. Temperature MUST NOT be too hot! Just warm it up a bit!

*Pedialyte – To prevent dehydration. This liquid can be mixed with food. Many stores sell this in small bottles, but once opened they must be used within 24 hours or tossed out. They also have 2-ounce freezer pops that work perfectly in your kits! No freezing needed, and no waste once opened.

*Baby Food – keep a jar or two for hand feeding.

BROODER – Seriously injured birds must be kept in a warm and dark place. There are methods of making them quickly with heating pads or lamps, but care must be taken to not overheat your birds.

>>My book, The Tame Parrot, contains step-by-step instructions on how to construct a very safe and efficient brooder/emergency unit for under $60. This device can save your pets life! Get the complete parts list and instructions at The Easy Parrot System – Health