Gillian's First Aid Kit

The following is in my first aid kit for birds:

• Rubbing alcohol and alcohol swabs,
• Gauze swabs
• Hibitane (chlorhexidine) as a disinfectant. I do NOT use hydrogen peroxide since it can cause tissue injujry
• Silver nitrate sticks for bleeding nails. I no longer use Kwik Stop since I inadvertently got some of the powder in a bird's eye resulting in conjunctivitis. Note: Extreme caution should be exercised in apply a silver nitrate stick to the beak area where it could be tongued by a bird. Again, the amount of silver nitrate that would be ingested is not expected to cause systemic toxicity. The main concern is local tissue injury to the tongue since silver nitrate burns tissue. Use silver nitrate sticks ONLY on nails.
• Artificial tears- in case of irritant eye exposures
• Gelfoam - stops bleeding from flesh wounds and bleeding beaks. I cut this into small pieces suitable for applying to leg injuries. I get the Gelfoam from my avian vet. For beaks, cover with tissue glue so that it will adhere.
• Hemostat or needle tip pliers to remvove broken blood feathers etc
• Sterile saline for irrigation Lactated Ringer's solution Vetwrap
• Micropore tape Assorted bandages Tegaderm dressing - excellent for covering certain types of open wounds
• Aloe vera gel - may provide relief for scalds or burns
• Scissors
• Assorted syringes for feeding, irrigation or for parenteral administration of fluids. (I am able to give injections to my birds and will give subcutaneous Lacated Ringer's solution if a bird is dehydrated or in shock.)
• Oral electrolyte replacement preparation eg. Gastrolyte, Rappolyte (powders that can be made up into solution for oral rehydration therapy).
• Handfeed formula ( for sick birds).
• Antacid preparation - in case bird accidentally ingests an irritant plant or substance. (I do not have poisonous plants in my home)
• Hot/cold pack
• Wire cutters
• Magnifying head piece ("hoop") with light attached
• In addition to the above, I have an Aquabrood unit and a 10 gallon glass aquarium with a cover already set up ready in which to place a sick or injured bird. Never place the bird directly on the bottom of the unit. I cover the bottom with either towelling material or with baby crib sheets. I always check the temperature of the interior of the unit with a thermometer so as t avoid the risk of overheating.

My kit is probably more extensive than necessary, but I have faced many avian emergencies and am called upon quite frequently by friends for help in their emergencies.

Hope this helps.

Gillian Willis
willis@dpic.bc.ca