How to Prepare an Emergency First Aid Kit

Always be prepared. That's a great motto for every pet and bird owner. You should always have a basic bird first aid kit on hand as well as a small carrier or cage for emergency situations. Whether you purchase a bird first aid kit that has already been assembled, or make one yourself, here are some items every first aid kit should include:

Blunt ended Scissors
These can also come in handy if your bird becomes entangled in a toy or other material.
Styptic Powder, or other blood clotting agent
Use on bleeding nails or beaks in an emergency.
Avoid using directly on skin as some styptic powders can burn skin
A Carrier or small Cage
A small cage or carrier can also be used as a hospital area for an injured bird.
Locking Forceps, Hemostat, or good Tweezers
These can be used to remove a broken blood feather
First Aid Book
Latex Gloves
Gauze Bandages and pads
Cotton swabs and Q-tips
A list of emergency phone numbers
Avian Veterinarian or closest emergency clinic and the Poison control phone number
Flashlight and batteries
Syringes for medicating or giving fluids
Nail clippers
(optional) antibiotic ointment or spray
(optional) fluids for rehydrating
(optional) heating pad
Warm (not hot) heat can often mean the difference between
life and death to a seriously injured bird.

Along with accidental household emergencies, you will want to be prepared for natural disasters as well. Tornadoes, Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Floods, Wild Fires, Blizzards or acts of Terrorism are all emergency situations most of us might have to deal with at one time or another. To help us be more prepared in extreme times, we have gathered a few links listed below to help prepare ourselves better before the emergency arrives.

Pets and Disasters - Be PreparedThe Humane Society of the United States in cooperation with the American Red Cross off advice on emergency preparedness for your pets.

HSUS Diaster Preparedness Center How you and your animals can be prepared for natural disasters or other emergencies.

ASPCA Poison Control Center

The Humane Society of the United States Poison Control