Bird Emergency Preparation
Things to do ahead of time or keep on hand in an easily accessible place to ensure you have what you need, when you need it, and don't have to worry about it during an actual emergency.
- First Aid Kit: Include gauze bandage roll, Stiptik powder (to stop bleeding -- corn starch does NOT work for bad bleeding. Available at pet stores), tweezers, needle nose pliers, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial ointment. For a complete list of items see Bird First Aid
- Travel Carrier with Food set up and ready to go in case of an evacuation. You can store some containers of non-perishable seeds and nuts in the carrier as well, so they will be right there too.
- Missing Posters You don't want to be having to make these when you're trying to look for a lost bird. Make them ahead of time and have a good supply on hand, then you can send someone out to make more copies if needed.
Sample Lost Poster & Good Bird Inc's
Lost Poster Templates
- Lists of Important Numbers and Information
Pet Information --- Include band and/or microchip numbers, detailed descriptions, info on diet & medications, insurance, etc. For your easy reference and also in case someone else has to take care of them for you.
Information Sheet
Important Contact Numbers --- Vets, emergency clinics, shelters, rescue organizations, microchip registry, etc.
Important Numbers
- CD of Your Bird Singing This can be a big help in locating a missing bird. Record one of your birds morning vocalizing sessions for a few minutes and burn it to a CD for your emergency kit.
- Know How to Recover a Lost Bird Read this and print it out or bookmark it ahead of time so you will know what to do should an accident occur. Strategies to Utilize when a Flighted Bird Escapes by Barbara Heidenreich.
- Hotline for Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435 Avaiable 24 hrs / 7 days per week. ($55 consult fee) For more information see: National Animal Poison Control Center.
- Have an emergency plan. For all different kinds of animals, see Disaster Preparedness Guidelines from ASPCA .
- Microchip your bird. Many shelters do routinely check found birds for microships now. It can save you time finding your bird, as well as providing positive ID that it is yours. The chip plus brief anesthesia for implanting typically cost about $50-75, and there is a one-time activation/registration fee of $10. Additional pet recovery services such as automatic contact of vets and shelters with your pet's information and picture can be added for a small annual fee. For more information contact your vet or Home Again .
For a list of items suggested for training outdoors, see
Outdoor Recall Preparation
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