First Aid Kit ?

[Christy]

I have been busy reading all the back posts. Neat site and very informative.

I do have one question though. I do not have an avian vet near by. I did find one but she is 90 miles away. So, I would like to set up a first aid kit in case something were to go wrong. Does any one have suggestions as to what I should have in one?

[Jean]

Here is a copy of my "Avian First Aid Kit" Hope it helps!

My ~ Avian First Aid Kit
(1) List of avian vet's phone and address/ other emergency #
(2) Towel ~ wash cloths
(3) Needle nose pliers
(4) Tweezers
(5) Scissors
(6) Spray bottle
(7) Small flashlight
(8) Water bottle ~ to fill and keep a sick bird warm.
(9) Rapolyte ~ a powder alternative or Pedialyte ~ (powder form)for sick or dehydrated bird. It comes in many brands.
(10) Hand feeding formula ~ a few jars of organic baby food ~ for a sick bird.
(11) Magnifying glasses ~ to help pin point hard to see problems
(12) Quick Stop ~ or a silver nitrate stick ~ to stop bleeding
(14) Gauze pads
(15) Cotton Balls & Q tips ~for cleaning wounds, claws
(16) Paper surgical tape (Micropore) it is great to hold a gauze pad
(17) Vet wrap for wrapping a broken leg
(18) Ice cream sticks for splints
(19) Syringes~eye dropper for feeding a sick bird
(20) Bird safe ~ pet transport carrier
(21) Surgical gloves
(22) Betadyne ~ disinfectant my avian vet recommended
(23) Wire cutters
(24) Sterile bottled water, Baby safe ~ rotate as needed for freshness

I keep mine divided in appropriate ziplock bags, then place them in a tote bag.

NOTE: Do not use medications, lotions, creams made for humans unless you have your vets approval, many are toxic to birds.

[Christy]

Thank you!! I am an old girl scout. "Be prepared" seems to be my moto. :)

[Jean]

Christy, You are welcome! That is a good motto to have.

[SadennaAndFlock]

oh don't forget those handwarmers you can buy in the sporting section of walmart of any store of the like or a sporting good store where you can buy camping supplies these little handwarms come in handy...the gal I work for uses them when she transports little babies that can't regulate their own heat..and would do great in an emergency as well. We keep several handy for our own birds or in case of a power outage we use the handwarmers with our reptiles...they are nice cause all you have to do is shake them and they heat right up...

[Shirley]

Here is another list of items for an emergency avian first aid kit...

http://wingwise.com/emergency.htm

This list is compiled by a board-certified avian vet and put on the site owned and administrated by her former vet tech.

Note the site page includes two lists plus instructions.

[Jean]

Good idea Sadenna, I never really knew much about them. I do keep a hot water bottle in my kit to fill in an emergency for heat. There is more in mine than I will most likely ever use with one cockatoo. I would rather be safe then sorry.

[Jean]

That is a very good list Shirley, Thank you, for sharing the link.

I do like the idea of keeping "Rapolyte" or any powdered alternative to pedialyte liquid since spoils quickly once opened.

[Shirley]

I've never heard of Rappolite. My vet told me to give water mixed with 1/3 honey with a syringe when the pedialyte is unavailable.

I've found our incubator has more than paid for itself with the small birds - finches, etc. And, it runs off the car cig lighter or the wall socket.

[Jean]

Here is a list of brand names. There are also some generic ones on the market. Some come in liquid and powder form both. I prefer powder form.
I had it spelled with 2 p's, the proper spelling is Rapolyte. My sis in law brought mine back when she went home to Canada on her vacation.


CARBOHYDRATES AND ELECTROLYTES (Systemic)

In the U.S.

. Infalite
. Kao Lectrolyte
. Naturalyte
. Oralyte
. Pedialyte
. Rehydralyte
. Resol
~~~~~~~~~~~
In Canada

. Lytren
. Gastrolyte
. Pedialyte
. Rapolyte
(http://<hr>some%20commonly%20used%20brand%20names%20are:</p><p%20style=)

[Jean]

Shirley, that vet mixture is good to know. Thanks!!!

[Shirley]

.....
CARBOHYDRATES AND ELECTROLYTES (Systemic)...


Thanks, Jean! Awesome list!

(http://%5B/QUOTE%5D%3Cbr%20/%3E)

(http://Thanks,%20Jean%21%20Awesome%20list%21%3Cbr%20/%3E)

[Jean]

You are Welcome!!!

[Christy]

I loved the handwarmer idea. My DH has some in his camping box. They are the type that you snap the little disk in and you can reuse them. I also picked up some pedialyte. Everything else I had in some form or another on hand.

[Jean]

Chtisty, it sounds like you are all set!!! I like the hand warmer idea too! I will have to pick up one and add it to my list.