First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always a good idea to be prepared! While accidents usually produce obvious injuries, illnesses are often kept well hidden by birds. In nature, if you're sick you pose a threat in making your whole flock vulnerable to predators, so parrots have become adept at masking signs of illness. This is one reason that it's vital to have a "well bird" check-up annually. Needless to day, once a bird is showing obvious signs of illness, he's often very sick and needs immediate vet attention. First Aid is intended to help you get by until you can see the vet, or in treating minor injuries.

It's helpful to have a "hospital cage" for emergencies - a smaller, easily portable cage where you can isolate a sick or injured bird and easily move him to a warm, quiet, area of your home. It's advisable to have a quarantine area as well - for new birds coming into the home, as well as sick birds recovering from an infection. This area should be well separated from the rest of your birds to prevent air-borne transmission of germs, as well as those spread by direct contact.

Some of the signs of possible illness include: more time on cage floor, talking and playing less, fluffed feathers, lack of appetite, drinking more water, personality changes (such as becoming bitey or not wanting to come out of the cage), tail bobbing, puffy eyes, sleeping on both feet with head tucked, droopy wings, sneezing or coughing, "clicking" in chest, vomiting, diarrhea, soiled vent, etc. I won't go into specific diseases here, but hopefully you get the general idea - if things are "different," get to the vet! Other problems include broken blood feathers or egg binding.

It's a good idea to put together a first aid kit (Your Parrot Place has a nice one for sale!) Include:

· Eye and skin wash

· Styptic powder

· Corn starch

· Antiseptic wipes

· Cotton Swabs and balls

· Eye dropper

· Assorted bandages - gauze, adhesive, vet wrap

· Scissors

· Latex Gloves

· Forceps or hemostats

· Betadine or iodine swabs

· Adhesive tape

· Penlight

· Heating pad and/or lamp

· Hydrogen peroxide

· Pedialyte (Electrolyte solution for babies)

· Hand feeding formula and syringes

· Phone number for vets and poison control

Generally, with any illness or injury, remove the bird to a hospital cage and put him in a warm, quiet, dimly lit room (bathrooms can work). Provide fresh water (and Pedialyte if needed). Feed favorite foods (healthier things you know he'll eat) plus warm foods like cooked rice or oatmeal. IN addition, spray millet is often enjoyed by smaller birds. If he's not eating well on his own, offer some warm food with your fingers or a spoon. If need be, you may have to mix up hand feeding formula and give by cup or syringe. If you've kept your bird in the habit of eating from a spoon or cup, this will be easier. DO NOT use over the counter remedies from pet stores. It's too much of a guessing game. I know a Pionus who became psychotic after being given an OTC bird "remedy" and would not stop thrashing around her cage. A little chamomile tea can help the bird relax and ginger tea is good for digestive upsets. If you're familiar with herbal remedies, you can safely use those without causing harm to your bird. NEVER give antibiotics without knowing your bird actually has a BACTERIAL infection (and which bacteria!)

Broken blood feathers (or those accidentally clipped) can be hard to stop bleeding. Do not use styptic powder on skin or soft tissue - only on bleeding nails. Otherwise, use corn starch as a coagulant. If the blood feather (immature feather with live blood supply) won't stop bleeding, it has to be pulled or the bird can bleed to death.

A note on egg binding: If a hen is on the cage bottom, fluffed up and straining, she may be "egg bound". Put her in a warm, humid place (like the bathroom). You can rub some vegetable oil around her vent. Egg bound hens can die fairly quickly, though, and if the egg does not pass within several hours, she needs to get to the vet immediately (a good diet with extra calcium will help prevent this.)

So get in the habit of inspecting your birds on a daily basis, and being alert for signs of distress. Read up on diseases and gain a basic knowledge of illness in birds. "Bird proof" your home, avoid toxic fumes and unsafe toys. Have a first aid kit and hospital cage available. No what's "normal" for your bird and act quickly if things don't seem right. Find a good AVIAN vet and see them annually. Be sure your house and your bird's cage and play areas are as safe as possible. Feed the best diet you can to ensure your birds best possible health. Wouldn't it be nice if your first aid kit never gets used?!

The First Aid kit available at Your Parrot Place (under accessories) contains most of the essentials such as: Styptic Powder, Latex Gloves, Eye Skin Wash, 1"x6 yd Sterile Bandage, Scissors, Locking Forceps, Iodine Swabs, Antiseptic Towelettes, 2"x2" Gauze Pads, Cotton Swabs, Adhesive Tape, Hand Wipe, Emergency Info Card, Directions, and Case. Perishables, like hand feeding formula, should be stored in the freezer and replaced every six months.

-----------------------------------------
Your Parrot Place
Marilu Anderson, Bird Nutrition and Behavior Consultant, (503) 771-BIRD. Marilu is a regular contributor to the Your Parrot Place Newsletter. YourParrotPlace.com - Only the Best for Your Parrot!

Free Parrot eBook
140 pages of parrot tips, information, nutrition advice, safety and more!http://www.yourparrotplace.co m/ebooks/ypp2004ebook.htm

---

The Beauty of Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are an all around great breed, especially skilled... Read More

How to Make Your Pets Healthier and Happier

Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More

Life with the Rat Terriers

I am a happy owner of two rat terriers. They... Read More

Pet Peeve: Dogs Doing Business Where Not Wanted

We've recently moved into a new apartment complex that really... Read More

How To Keep Your Cat Healthy - Cat Feeding Explained

Cats have a reputation for being finicky eaters, but that... Read More

Using Electrolytes to Avoid Equine Dehydration

For heat dissipation and body cooling, a horse trotting at... Read More

Dog Anxiety - Fear of Thunderstorms, and Other Dog Fears

How to Deal With Anxiety in Your DogAnxiety in dogs... Read More

Dog Crate Training: The Basics

Dog crate training is one of the most effective ways... Read More

6 Common Dog Emergencies

Sure, you may be a master of human First Aid.... Read More

Is YOUR Child Ready for a Dog?

Are you considering buying a dog for your child or... Read More

Personal Pet Check-Ups

For all pet owners, regular monitoring and "examinations" of your... Read More

What You Should Never Feed Your Dog

Unfortunately, there are a number of household items which we... Read More

Canine Communication and Body Language

A couple of years ago a Japanese electronics company came... Read More

Mabeke: Gorilla Teacher

Mabeke is a young gorilla who was born in captivity... Read More

The Benefits of Large Birdcages

We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More

Cold Weather Pet Care

As we find ourselves in the middle of winter, it's... Read More

Your Kids Want a Pet, You Dont Want To Pet Anything

"Mom, can we get a puppy?" Who hasn't heard that... Read More

Correcting Cats Bad Behaviour: How To Discipline Your Cat; Youll Be Happy; Your Cat Will Be Too!

At some time or another even the sweetest cat "misbehaves."... Read More

Tips On Breeding Tropical Fish

If you are looking for tips on breeding tropical fish,... Read More

How to Make Your Cats Life, and YOUR Life, Happier - Training Your Cat

Imagine that you are scolding your cat for scratching at... Read More

Lets Get Clear On Proper Dog Care

Whether you're a new dog owner or have had dogs... Read More

Introduce Your Puppy To New Situations And Ensure Good Behaviour For The Rest Of Her Life

They may seem to be bold explorers - sniffing at... Read More

Biting & Nipping Behavior Can Kill Your Dog!

Dog bite injuries are alarmingly the most common condition that... Read More

A Dog Bit Me, Whom Can I Sue?

Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More

My Tips to Take Care of a New Dog

So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More

Wooden Bird Cages

Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More

A Horse Training Secret From The 1800s To Teach A Horse To Drive Without Lines!

Horse owners who are history buffs may recognize the name... Read More

Essential Fatty Acids for Parrots

You may be hearing more talk these days about "Essential... Read More

So, You?ve Decided To Kill Your Pet!

The other day I was doing a research online for... Read More

Pet-Rabbit Information ? What Is Domesticated Rabbits? How To Care For Your Pet-Rabbit?

Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More

5 Things You Must Do If You Want To Create a First Aid Kit For Your Family

1. Accidents and medical emergencies in the home happen frequently.... Read More

The Demand for Luxury Dog Beds

A pet can be as important a member of the... Read More

Basic Discus Fish Care

Are you thinking about getting some discus then and want... Read More