Bird First Aid

Bird First Aid

1. Store the First Aid kit in a suitable container, readily accessible, portable, and marked for easy identification.
2. Clean any soiled.  sentiments after use and if necessary restock the kit.
3. Every six months check the kit to see that everything is in good working order; for example, test the torch. (Flashlight) batteries.
4. The kit should include the following items:

• Antibiotic powder
• Antiseptic wash.
• Cotton buds (swabs)
• Eye dropper
• Ferric chloride
• Gauze swabs
• Hydrogen peroxide 1%
• Mercurochrome (antiseptic solution)
• Paraffin oil
• Roll of cottonwood (absorbent cotton)
• Roll of adhesive bandage (2.5cm (1 in) wide)
• Roll of gauze bandage (2.5cm (1 in) wide)
• Scissors (sharp, pointed, 10cm (4in) long)
• Syringe (plastic, 10m1)
• Thermometer (same as for human use)
• Tincture of iodine (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal solution)
• Torch (flashlight)
• Tweezers (forceps)
• Vet wrap bandaging tape

BIRD FIRST AID TIPS

• Keep calm and work methodically.
• Assess whether injury or illness is life-threatening.

1. Life-threatening injuries or illness

• First treat life-threatening injuries or illness showing such signs as:

– Severe bleeding or blood rowing freely from a wound.

– Collapse.

• In such cases, administering immediate First Aid has a top priority, but calling the veterinarian as soon as possible.

2. Non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses accompanied by severe pain

• Next, treat injuries or illnesses that are causing distress or pain but are not life-threatening. For example:

– Fracture.
– Diarrhea.
– Vomiting.

• Your treatment concerns preventing the injury or illness from worsening and preparing the bird for transportation to the veterinarian.

3. Minor injuries or illness

• Injuries such as a slight abrasion or minor cuts come last in the order of priorities for treatment.
• Treat the bird at home if you know how.
• Take the bird to the veterinarian if the injury or illness does not improve or if the condition worsens.

Caution

• A bird may be in shock as a result of the injury or illness, and excessive handling. Furthermore, if a bird in shock is given intensive treatment and/or handling, the bird may collapse and die on the spot.
• In a life-threatening injury or illness, simultaneously treat the bird for shock and the injury or illness.
• The treatment of lower-priority injuries and illnesses (non-life-threatening) should be delayed for two to three hours if the bird is in shock. This delay will allow time for the bird to be treated for shock and to recover before being treated for the initial injury or illness.