|
Know how to restrain your bird properly. Knowing
this may just save your bird's life!
When a bird is injured, you will need to stop the
bleeding before you take your bird to the avian veterinarian. Apply direct
pressure to the wounded area and once you get the bleeding under control, then
transport the bird to the veterinarian. Remember that the bird can bleed to
death very rapidly.
Egg binding, seizures, concussions, protrusions
from the vent, difficulty breathing, wheezing, broken bones, etc. need to be
taken care of immediately. Get to the veterinarian ASAP!
It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit
for your birds. Most of the items included here can be bought at any drug store.
Some of the other items you may have to go to a medical supply store to obtain.
Whenever you take a trip with your bird, make sure that you bring along a
miniature version of the listed items.
ITEMS IN THE KIT
*List of
veterinarians and other emergency numbers
*Sterile syringes, no needles: to squirt liquid
over injured area or to give avian veterinarian prescribed medication.
*Gauze sponges or pads: to clean the injured area.
|
*Bandaging materials (gauze or ace
bandage that has lost most of its elasticity.
*Towels to restrain the bird or cover the cage.
*Rubbing alcohol (Isoproply) & hydrogen peroxide:
to clean an injured area or disinfect equipment.
*Clotting agent (styptic powder, flour or corn
starch) to stop bleeding.
*Cotton tipped applicators (Q-tips) to help clean
the injured area.
*Hot water bottle, heating pad, or heat light: to
keep the bird warm.
*Needle nosed pliers or hemostats: to pull blood
feathers or hold things.
*Nail file: to file nails or beaks.
*Sterile saline solution: to help clean or wet an
area to get a better look.
Providone iodine syrup and solution (Betadine): to help sterilize area or to be
used to clean your hands.
*Penlight flashlight: to provide you with extra
light so you can see what you are looking at.
*Tweezers, long and blunted are best: to help you
remove material (i.e. seed caught in nares).
*Hand feeding formula or baby food: to give your
bird some extra nutrition
Small scissors: to cut gauze or bandageing material.
*Apple juice (the best one to use), Pedialyte,
diluted karo syrup: give to prevent dehydration.
*Paper, pen and pencils: to write down what you did
and when.
|
*Wooden tongue
depressors: to open your birds mouth, (not for use with larger birds).
*Tape. (masking) won't stick to the feathers much:
to hold bandages in place.
*Ziplock bags: to take samples to the vet such as
fecals or ingested substances.
*K-Y Jelly (water based lubricant).
*Latex gloves: protects your hands against
hazardous materials.
*Sick cage such as an aquarium tank or small cage:
to keep a sick or injured bird warm and quiet.
NEVER apply oil anywhere on the bird!
NEVER
give over the counter medicines without an avian veterinarian's approval. They
can mask the symptoms of an illness which may result in an erroneous diagnosis!
NEVER
treat a bird yourself. This is something that your avian veterinarian must do!
Do not self-medicate a bird, ever!
NEVER
use slaves, ointments, or creams if your bird gets burned. Use cool water
instead.
NEVER
give your bird medication meant for a human unless directed to do so by an avian
veterinarian.
|
|
