what's in your bird first aid kit?

[clark_conure]

I usually run a search before I ask a question but first aid kit didn't come up.

besides there are always medical advances.

My Vet when she got the succulent DNA samples from my birds purposefully cut one nail to short then used a quick clot that worked, immediately...and said this is how I do this yadda yadda..

SO I was looking to make an emergency kit for my two girls...I found this on amazon... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PJ55KC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

and I was wondering if theres anything else you all have or recommend ...like something if your bird is suddenly lethargic...a nutrient gel or something, or has a rash or some sort of special wash if you bird like stepped in something dangerous.

So far I was looking at the quick clot and maybe a heat pad that doesn't get to hot I'm sure some of you have entire drawers or chests of stuff for your birds..........

Thank you in advance, and I'm sure others will find this beneficial as well. It's only money.


+

 

[noodles123]

corn-starch, silver nitrate swabs (for absolute emergency), a towel...probably should add tweezers and Betadine or some sot of disinfectant

 

[Kiwibird]

Kiwi's 'first aid kit includes:

-Styptic (quick stop) powder
-Nail clippers made for birds
-Clean needle nose pliers for jewelry making (smaller than ones from the hardware store and more suitably sized to a bird IMO) in case he ever broke a blood feather
-Reptile heat bulb in case of illness
-The 'evil' towel in an ugly color no other towel in the house is so he doesn't hate all towels

I also always keep hydrogen peroxide on hand as my disinfectant of choice for Kiwi as it is easy enough to pour on even a squirming bird and leaves no harmful residues he could later lick off and/or would damage his feathers. I've also used colloidal silver before (like when he burnt his feet) to aid in infection prevention and speeding up healing time, though I'm sure some people won't agree with it's use on birds and/or effectiveness in general

 

[clark_conure]

I have silvadene which is human prescription grade burn cream, I use it on cuts, burns, lacerations, strep throat, postnasal drip, stubbed toe, gingivitis, herpes, aids, bone loss, limb loss, diarrhea, severe death, impotence and butt hurt.

And I now have none of those things....I'm assuming thats the same thing as your colloidal silver? Silvadine is silver sulfadiazine.

 

[clark_conure]

It's like aspirin....It's way better than any skin cut cream ever.

 

[ChristaNL]

Sportstape because a bird in pain will bite ... you!

I found that is very usefull to (temporary fix) tape up your own scratches and bitewounds so you do not bleed all over the bird/ add to the mess while you are working.
(you clean & bandage -if necessary- those later of course)

Maybe some protective gloves if you have smaller birds (my greys will go straight through most leather ones, but I had some succes with heavy-stuffed ovenmitts -> it did not stop the bites as much, but their fluffedness made it very difficult for the po-d bird to grab a piece of my anatomie).
One of my vacation-guests got hysterical at the mere sight of a towel, and I really needed to grab him...


LOL (sorry Clark_conure, you are TOO funny!)


btw... there IS a sticky about this http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/34397-first-aid-kit.html
.

 

[clark_conure]

what about birds that get lethargic, blood loss or food problem or etc. Any high calorie high protein cure all gel food thing?

 

[SailBoat]

Please refer to the Amazon Forum and the 'I Love Amazons - ..." Thread. At darn near the end of that huge Multi-Page Thread is a detailed Medical /First Aid Kit, which is a couple three years old. I state that due to the major chances in wound care products now available.

 

[clark_conure]

when I ran a search for first aid kit it din't come up... did it again....see below.

Also thank you sailboat.

 

[EllenD]

Colloidal-Silver is not the same thing as the Sulfadene/Silver Nitrate Burn Cream. Two totally different things...You can buy Sulfadene or SSD cream and ointment over-the-counter now though, it's good stuff to have around. Works for burns and wounds alike...The only problem using it on birds and pets in-general is that you can't rub it in, it has to sit on top of the burn/wound, and you know they're going to put their beaks in it and eat it...

As far as a bird first-aid kit, or a "Pet" first-aid kit in-general goes:

-Qwik-Stop and/or Corn Starch (I have both in mine, I keep a big prescription-bottle filled with Corn Starch in it along with a container of Qwik-Stop; Qwik-Stop for toenails and beaks, Corn Starch for any body bleeding)
-Hibiclens and Betadine as antiseptics/wound and burn cleaning
-Triple Antibiotic Cream
-Hydrocortisone Cream
-Tube of 5% Lidocaine Cream for topical pain (it's actually sold at Walmart as their generic brand of Hemerrhoid Cream, it numbs everything great, just like Novicaine at the denstist)
-Chewable Baby Aspirin tablets
-Liquid Baby Tylenol (for the birds, not for dogs or cats; birds can have acetominophen/paracetamol)
-Alka-Seltzer Tablets (for slow-crop/crop-stasis)
-Q-Tips
-Sterile gauze pads
-Tweezers
-Oral Syringe
-Baby-Bird Handfeeding-Formula
-Pedialyte (unflavored)
-Probiotic tablets with Digestive Enzymes
-Toenail Clippers
-Emery Board

I've got some different prescription meds in mine as well, such as Metacam, Oral Diflucan and Nystatin, Oral Doxycycline, Baytril, Tylosin, and other oral Antibiotics, and I also have some different syringes with small-gauge needles, disposable scalpels, IV Catheter Kits, Suture Kits with Injectible Lidocaine, Subcutaneous Fluid Solutions (Lactated Ringers Solution and 5% Dextrose Solution), etc....But that's not for everyone...

 

[SailBoat]

Kiwi's 'first aid kit includes:
-Styptic (quick stop) powder
-Nail clippers made for birds
-Clean needle nose pliers for jewelry making (smaller than ones from the hardware store and more suitably sized to a bird IMO) in case he ever broke a blood feather
-Reptile heat bulb in case of illness
-The 'evil' towel in an ugly color no other towel in the house is so he doesn't hate all towels
I also always keep hydrogen peroxide on hand as my disinfectant of choice for Kiwi as it is easy enough to pour on even a squirming bird and leaves no harmful residues he could later lick off and/or would damage his feathers. I've also used colloidal silver before (like when he burnt his feet) to aid in infection prevention and speeding up healing time, though I'm sure some people won't agree with it's use on birds and/or effectiveness in general

The small needle nose pliers referenced above can also are used for electronic device assembly and repair. An industrial supply store /website is a good source.

I am so very sorry Kiwi's Mom, but your reference to hydrogen peroxide (great idea by the way) above sparked a very old memory of its use to turn light brown hair blonde and the idea of Kiwi going blonde brought a huge smile to my face.

FYI: Since the document in the I Love Amazon's - ... Thread is a couple /three years old. Does anyone have a problem if I use your comments here to add to /update that Post???

 

[noodles123]

Someone asked about potential sources of high-calorie food for sick birds:
Almond butter is reportedly safe and high calorie. I haven't tried it with mine and you would want to watch the expiration date (rancidity is harmful)...hmm...oatmeal maybe...possibly baby foods if salt, sugar and citric acid/preservatives were minimal.

 

[Kiwibird]

No issues from me sailboat.

 

[ChristaNL]

Maybe put a link to the amazon-thread-pages in the sticky as well?


(ot the other way around -> revitalize the sticky, because the amazonthread is really not the first place to start looking if you want to build a kit )

 

[EllenD]

Someone asked about potential sources of high-calorie food for sick birds:
Almond butter is reportedly safe and high calorie. I haven't tried it with mine and you would want to watch the expiration date (rancidity is harmful)...hmm...oatmeal maybe...possibly baby foods if salt, sugar and citric acid/preservatives were minimal.

Better to just buy a small package of Kaytee Hand-Feeding Formula for birds, the little bag of it only costs $10 at Petco, that way they get the calories, protein, vitamins/minerals, etc. without all the fat, sugar, and possibly salt.

 

[dhraiden]

Great thread. I have mostly topical sprays and ointments, aloe-vera based and so on. Stuff for vet use in treating cuts and hastening skin-level healing. Good to see what I can should add to my "first aid cupboard".

 

[Anansi]

As far as a bird first-aid kit, or a "Pet" first-aid kit in-general goes:

-Qwik-Stop and/or Corn Starch (I have both in mine, I keep a big prescription-bottle filled with Corn Starch in it along with a container of Qwik-Stop; Qwik-Stop for toenails and beaks, Corn Starch for any body bleeding)
-Hibiclens and Betadine as antiseptics/wound and burn cleaning
-Triple Antibiotic Cream
-Hydrocortisone Cream
-Tube of 5% Lidocaine Cream for topical pain (it's actually sold at Walmart as their generic brand of Hemerrhoid Cream, it numbs everything great, just like Novicaine at the denstist)
-Chewable Baby Aspirin tablets
-Liquid Baby Tylenol (for the birds, not for dogs or cats; birds can have acetominophen/paracetamol)
-Alka-Seltzer Tablets (for slow-crop/crop-stasis)
-Q-Tips
-Sterile gauze pads
-Tweezers
-Oral Syringe
-Baby-Bird Handfeeding-Formula
-Pedialyte (unflavored)
-Probiotic tablets with Digestive Enzymes
-Toenail Clippers
-Emery Board

I've got some different prescription meds in mine as well, such as Metacam, Oral Diflucan and Nystatin, Oral Doxycycline, Baytril, Tylosin, and other oral Antibiotics, and I also have some different syringes with small-gauge needles, disposable scalpels, IV Catheter Kits, Suture Kits with Injectible Lidocaine, Subcutaneous Fluid Solutions (Lactated Ringers Solution and 5% Dextrose Solution), etc....But that's not for everyone...

Excellent emergency kit, Ellen! Here are two other very comprehensive lists I've seen. First up by Steven from his "I Love Amazons" thread:

Veterinarians /Medical Care of Amazons:
Emergency Medical Kit /First Aid Kit

Emergency Care and Medical Kit – Avian

First Aid Kit (Emergency Medical Kit):

Equipment
• Scissors of various sizes
• Bandage Cutting Scissors of various sizes
• Tweezers
• Nail clippers and metal nail file
• Flashlight and batteries (head mounted style lets you use both hands)
• Scalpel blades and handles
• Eye droplet
• Syringes of various sizes
• Suturing set (surgical needles and thread — consider a bow style needle)
• Feeding tubes of various sizes (if you are trained in how to use them)
• Disposable gloves
• Stethoscope
• Gram scale
• Needle-nose pliers of various sizes
• Hemostats of various sizes
• Wire cutters of various sizes
• Leg band cutter
• Bird net
• Magnifying glass
• Readers (Eye Glasses if you wear them, you will need them)

Supplies
• Lubricant such as KY Jelly (without spermicide) or mineral /corn oil
• Cornstarch (helps control bleeding from a nail)
• Cayenne Pepper Powder (helps stop bleeding)
• Styptic powder or kwik-stop
• Sulfa powder (open wounds)
• Cotton swabs
• Q-Tips
• Clean hand cloths and/or paper toweling
• Bath Towels for restraint and/or to cover carrier
• Travel carrier
• Heating pad or heat lamp to use at home
• Home thermometer to measure temperature of Parrot’s environment
• Heat pack or hot water bottle (to keep the bird warm during transport; wrap the pack in a hand towel - do not apply directly to your Parrot, as burns may result)
• Dawn dish liquid, unscented and ‘without’ bleach (original formula)
• Hot Hands (chemical heat sticks) as a general emergency heat source
• Aloe Vera (100%, ‘no’ additives — misting and/or gel)

Bandaging Materials
• Square gauze of various sizes - some in sterile packaging
• Non-stick pads
• Cotton swabs
• First aid tape - both paper (easily comes off of skin and feathers, or use masking tape) and/or adhesive types as a last choice
• Bandage rolls — gauze
• Vet wrap (athletic wrap)
• Wooden sticks of various sizes for splints - tongue depressors, Popsicle sticks, craft sticks, toothpicks
• Tegaderm (Biobrane) dressings (burns and open wounds)
• Bandages (for Humans)

Nutritional Support
• Rehydrating solution such as Gatorade or Pedialyte
• Dry mix normally provided in a tightly sealed container with a packed date

Medicines
• Wound disinfectant such as Betadine
• Triple antibiotic ointment for skin
• Neosporin cream (not ointment)
• Antibiotic ophthalmic ointment for eyes, e.g., Terramycin
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Iodine
• Eye wash solution
• Sterile saline
• Tissue glue (closing wounds after flushing, use only when Avian Vet care is not available)


NOTES:
• Watch the expiration dates on any medication, and replace as needed
• Buy good quality items - if it breaks or fails during use, you saved nothing
• Remember, do not crop tube unless you have been trained
• Keep the Parrot warm and in a quiet area
• Make sure you do your best to keep the Parrot hydrated, this is more important than food in an emergency, but do offer food as well
• And most important: Get to your Avian Vet, As-Soon-As-Possible.


Avian Vet and General Information:
• Primary Avian Vet’s phone number(s) and address
• Back-up Vet’s phone number(s) and address
• 24-hour Emergency Animal Hospital phone number(s) and address *Assure that they will treat Avian clients in advance!
• Your Parrots’ Diary and Medical Records File for Weight and Past Health information
• Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 - They will charge $65 for the call. They are a 24/7/365 company with Vets on staff at all times. They can tell you what to do at home, what signs to look for. If you need to rush to an Avian Vet, they will provide instructions to give them about what exactly is going on with your Parrot. They only charge once per case, so you or your Avian Vet can call them multiple times and will only be charged once. Ensure That You Write Down The Case Number!
• When traveling, create a list of Vets /Clinics, with addresses and phone numbers along the route and in the area(s) that you will be staying.

I understand what it is like to not have an Avian Vet available and on-hand 24/7. So, I asked for training by my Avian Vet to administer First Aid, targeting how to do a few important things like: Examinations - checking for breaks in wings “know the wing’s condition by how it is being held” is it broken, damaged /broken keel bone and flight muscle tone. Then how to crop tube feed and/or syringing fluids, especially true if your Avian Vet gives you oral medications. Once you had been trained, your Avian Vet ‘may’ prescribe saline solution, syringes, needles, broad-spectrum antibiotic and pain reliever based on your successful training and general needs!

Bandaging is also important to learn just in case the need arises and you have to immobilize a wing, especially if there is a break or even top apply a wing to body bandage if its a fractured coracoid, which can happen from hitting a window.

And I couldn't find exactly where this one was in order to use the actual quote function, but I'd copied it several years back. It's from a post by a well-respected member we haven't seen in a while named weco:

- The Well Stocked Avian First Aid Kit –

* Double qty. for 2-6 birds
** Multiply accordingly for larger flocks

• Veterinarian’s Phone Number and address
• Backup Vet’s Phone Number and address
• Emergency Clinic Phone Number and address
• (Be sure the emergency clinic treats avian patients)
• Poison Control Phone Number
• Your flock diary – for weight and health records reference


1 rl 1” x 6 yd Sterile Gauze Wrap
4 ea 2” x 2” Sterile Gauze Pads
1 ea Adjustable heat heating pad
6 ea ** Alcohol Towelettes
1 bt Artificial Tears (may have dated shelf life)
1 bt Betadine
1 bt Citra-Solv – to remove bandage adhesive from feathers
1 pk Cotton Swabs
1 ea Cup heater or warming plate that operates from your Automobile’s cigarette lighter (for power outages)
1 bt Dawn dish liquid (regular, unscented & without bleach)
2 ml Eye & skin wash (eye wash may have dated shelf life)
1 ea Feeding Syringe – 12cc for feeding adult birds
1 ea Feeding Syringe – 1cc for feeding juvenile birds and small birds
4 pk * Hot-Hands (organic instant heat paks – check shelf life) or similar, for those cold climates, where power loss is possible, you may want to keep a few extra packs of Hot-Hands, or similar organic heat warmers. These can be used for instant heat, when needed. Just be careful with their use and follow package instructions as some of these products can reach 180°F during their up to 20 hours of activation.

1 bt Hydrogen Peroxide (has dated shelf life)
1 bt Iodine
2 pr Latex Gloves
1 pr Nail Clippers
1 pr Needle Nose Pliers with wire cutter
1 tu Neosporin Cream (not ointment)
1 bt Pedialyte, Infalyte, or similar electrolyte drink for re-hydrating the bird(s) (has dated shelf life - powdered packets might be a good choice)
4 ea* Popsicle Sticks or craft sticks
1 bt Rubbing Alcohol
1 pr Scissors
1 ea Small Aquarium – large enough to hold the injured or ill bird
1 pk Styptic Powder or Kwik-Stop
1 ea Thermometer to monitor aquarium temperature
(one with a humidity monitor (hygrometer) would be best)
1 pk Tissue Glue (for closing wounds after flushing, if no veterinary care is available)
6 ea Towelette type hand wipes (not the anti-bacterial type)
1 pr Tweezers or Hemostats
1 rl ** Vet Wrap

NOTE:
• It is a good idea to check the expiration date, on dated items, regularly.
• If you are handfeeding, keep separate supplies for each chick being fed.
• If you do not have Dawn dish washing liquid at your local market, you can check with your local veterinarian about a suitable substitute. Keep in mind that any substitute dish washing liquid needs to be mild and anti-irritant, with no perfumes, bleaches or other additives.
• You may also want to add bottled water to your first aid kit, just in case, even though you have it included in your own emergency kit.

 

[Tami2]

I usually run a search before I ask a question but first aid kit didn't come up.

besides there are always medical advances.

My Vet when she got the succulent DNA samples from my birds purposefully cut one nail to short then used a quick clot that worked, immediately...and said this is how I do this yadda yadda..

SO I was looking to make an emergency kit for my two girls...I found this on amazon... https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004PJ55KC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1

and I was wondering if theres anything else you all have or recommend ...like something if your bird is suddenly lethargic...a nutrient gel or something, or has a rash or some sort of special wash if you bird like stepped in something dangerous.

So far I was looking at the quick clot and maybe a heat pad that doesn't get to hot I'm sure some of you have entire drawers or chests of stuff for your birds..........

Thank you in advance, and I'm sure others will find this beneficial as well. It's only money.


+

That is the one I have and it works. I used it when I DNA tested Levi.

 

[ParrotGenie]

Most the stuff in my kit.

1. Bottle styptic powder
2. Pair latex gloves
3. Bottle of eye & skin wash
4. sterile gauze bandage
5. Pair scissors
6. Pair 5" locking forceps
7. PVP iodine antiseptic swabs
8. Antiseptic towelettes
9. 2"x2" gauze pads
10. Cotton Swabs
11. Roll 1/2" x 2-1/2yd adhesive tape
12. Hand wipe
13. Toenail Clippers
14. Tweezers
15. Syringes of various sizes
16. Bottle of Sulfa powder
17. Bottle of Cornstarch
18. Betadine
19. Triple antibiotic ointment for skin
20. Neosporin cream (not ointment)
21. Terramycin Ophthalmic Ointment
22. Hydrogen peroxide
23. Iodine
24. Sterile saline
25. Tissue glue
26. Gram scale
27. Bird Emergency Card (for bird info/vet number/Second vet Number)
28. Directions on most type of emergency that could occur and what to use and how to use it.

 

[clark_conure]

thanks everyone, I've started sourcing some of the things and am putting together a kit.

I'm also giving this a quick bump so more people can see it, I'm sure not everyone needs everything... Thank you Ananasi for the forwarded lists!!!! ...but some of these items I think everyone should have on hand and in a place they know they can find them.