Call Us
770-939-4531
or email
Laraine@ladygouldianfinch.com
If we can help with any
bird health question.
FAX 770-414-8517
Stone Mountain, GA 30087
|
Don't make a fatal mistake in caring for your pet bird. Don't wait for an emergency to strike to gather up the supplies and supplements needed to save your bird.
IT'S UP TO YOU. Having the needed supplies
on hand can mean the difference between
life and death when illness or injury strikes.
Everyone's First AidEmergency kits will vary depending on a number of factors including the species, the size of the flock and your own unique experiences. Here are the staples of a first aid plan.
Cage and Heat Source
 Hospital Cage- that can be maintained at 90 degrees to allow the bird to maintain its body temperature. This is the most critical in the healing of an injured bird. There are a number of commercial Hospital Cages on the market as seen it this photo. However, most breeders I know simply use a small wire cage or box wrapped with a towel.
Several heat sources include:
Thermostat or Thermometer
Heating pads
Hot water bottles
Ceramic heat emitters
Heat Lamps - red or black (regular white bulbs can cause eye problems)
Shallow dishes - for seed and water on the bottom of the hospital cage. Most sick birds will not have the ability to fly up to the normal dishes.
White Paper Towels on the floor of the hospital cage. The droppings on the paper towel will be the best assessment of what is wrong, short of having testing done with an avian vet. It is important to take note of the color and consistency of the droppings. They should be checked everyday, as even a slight variation from normal, is an indication that something is happening with the bird, or even the entire flock.
Food Source
Sick or injured birds often stop eating. Without the proper nutrients they will deteriorate quickly. Often times it is necessary to hand feed. Having the proper syringes and/or emergency rescue source is crucial in a life saving situation. If you are unfamiliar with hand feeding techniques, there are several articles on the site written by three different breeders.
Stabilize until an assessment can be made
Having NV Powder, Miniboost and/or ER Formula on hand, hoping you will never need to use it. Miniboost is a high energy, high protein supplement that is easily digested. It is a great product to keep on hand for when birds suddenly fall ill and the cause of illness is undetermined. Miniboost can be added to the drinking water, hand feeding formula or administered by the syringe it is packaged in. Having these products on hand will stabilize the bird until an assessment can be made as to what is wrong, and then the appropriate medication can be ordered.
Essentials needed for beak, feet and feather injury
Below is a list of supplies you may consider having in your birds' emergency kit.
Blood Stop to stop bleeding.
Hydrogen Peroxide wound irrigating
Pet Focus disinfecting hand feeding utensils, cages that have held sick birds.
Eye Irrigation Solution
Neosporin treating cuts and scratches
Hemostats untangling nesting material and pulling blood feathers
Surgical Scissors trim feathers, bandages.
Cotton swabs & gauze wrap dressing wounds
Eye Dropper - administering liquids & medications
Nail Clippers trimming nails
Latex Gloves handling sick birds
Pet Carrier hospital cage, transporting to vet
Leg Band Cutters - emergency leg band removal
Calcium Plus Egg binding
ER Powder Emergency (Emergency Rescue) Treatment for sick birds
Miniboost restore glucose levels & provide energy to promote fast recovery
NV Powder stabilizing electrolytes during illness or stress
Mineral Oil placing on vent for egg bound hen
Amoxitex broad spectrum antibiotic for bacteria infections
Ronex treating protozoa infections
Worm Away wormer medication
Pestex external mites & lice
S76 internal air sac mites
Probiotic treatment after antibiotic, stress and illness
Emergency Numbers Post emergency telephone numbers of your local avian vet and evening Pet Emergency Hospitals by the telephones.
Article © lady gouldian finch.com 2006
|