Emergency Care Kit for Your Bird
As a bird owner it is important to keep a bird emergency kit on hand. You never know what could happen. Make sure you are prepared to handle an emergency situation that might arise with your African Grey.
The following is a list of items that are recommended for your home bird emergency / first aid kit:
- Corn starch and / or styptic powder – great to stop bleeding for toenails, beaks or feathers (some styptic powders can burn the skin so be careful using this)
- Pedialyte – helps replace electrolytes in sick or dehydrated birds (if you think your bird is in need of this, you really need to talk to your avian vet)
- Hemostat, fine needle-nose pliers, tweezers – these can be used to remove a broken blood feather
- Scissors – to cut sterile gauze
- Betadine – to disinfect a bleeding wound
- Sterile saline solution – to flush eyes
- Towel – in case you need to restrain the bird
- Sterile Gauze
- Q-tips
- Syringes – to give medications or fluids
- Heating pad – to keep the bird warm (not hot) - heat can often mean the difference between life and death to a seriously injured bird (if your bird is injured, please contact your avian vet immediately)
- Small carrier – for transport and emergency housing
- Emergency vet information
- Birds medical records
Whether it be a medical emergency or natural disaster, be prepared. Most of these items can be purchased at a local store. If you don't have one already, put one together for your piece of mind and your bird.
Note: We cannot stress enough, if your bird is injured or sick, please contact your avian veterinarian immediately.
