Bird Owners First Aid Kit: Kwik-Stop or other styptic powder Cotton or gauze squares, Scissors, Hydrogen peroxide, Towel for restraint, Cardboard box for transport, Cereal/fruit baby food, Heating pad or lamp (100 watt), Plastic wrap or clean garbage bag, Karo syrup or honey, Tweezers, Needle-nosed pliers, Saline eye drops/wash, Eye droppers (plastic), Fruit Juice/Gatorade, Scale (diet/postal), Aquarium thermometer, Pen light/flashlight.

The two most important considerations for temporary care are HEAT and FOOD:

HEAT - A temperature of 85-90 degrees F should be maintained for sick birds. A temporary incubator can be made by placing a heating pad along the side or floor of the cage and draping plastic wrap or covering with a plastic bag/blanket or cage cover (Note - try to leave a small opening for some heat to escape). An infra-red or 100 watt light can be used as an alternate, however, a bright light makes it difficult for a bird to get rest. If the bird starts breathing rapidly and holds its wings away from its body, the temperature is too hot (use an aquarium thermometer to monitor temperature).

FOOD - A bird that stops eating dies. Therefore, every effort must be made to encourage the sick bird to eat. Food and water should be easily accessible and placed in the area of the cage where the bird is staying. Offer all of the bird's favorite foods. Warm, strong coffee with a high sugar concentration has been credited with temporarily reviving weak birds until they can get to their vet. Do not give any alcohol, oil, or over the counter antibiotics. Seek the help of an avian veterinarian.

Broken or bleeding toenail: Blot dry, hold toe firmly behind nail (tourniquet) apply Kwik-Stop or corn starch with mild pressure.

Broken or bleeding feather: Pull stub/quill base with a needle-nosed pliers in direction of feather growth. May need to follow with pressure and Kwik-Stop at site.

Broken bones or lameness: Cage confinement - keep warm, keep perches low, padded if needed. Food/water available. Encourage rest and quiet.

Diarrhea (must distinguish from increased urine): Keep warm, remove gravel, give Gatorade/Pedialyte or similar electrolyte solution.

Eggbound/Straining to lay an egg: Keep warm - if able to see egg place a thin coat of mineral oil around outer borders of egg, Some breeders have submerged bird up to their necks in warm water. If bird is weak or no results in 30-60 minutes seek veterinarian care.

Egg problems: Saline eye wash or drops to affected eye. Dim lighting. Keep feathers around head dry/clean. Feather loss/picking (distinguish from normal moult & preening): Keep in a dark and quiet area. Normal preening may be encouraged by bathing/spraying.

Lacerations, cuts, punctures, bite wounds: Direct pressure to stop the bleeding (five minutes by the clock). Clean with water/peroxide. Keep warm.

Poisoning: Inhaled, ingested, contact with skin/feathers: Inhalation - get bird into good/fresh air and seek veterinarian help. Ingested - emetics or products used to induce vomiting in birds are difficult to use safely in birds. Activated charcoal and cathartics such as milk of magnesia are best administered by a veterinarian. Irritant chemicals coming in contact with skin or feathers should be washed off immediately. In cases of oily substances, Dawn dish detergent works well.

Respiratory symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, coughing, tail bobbing: Keep warm and quiet. If having trouble breathing do not stress by chasing around. Keep nostrils clean.

Seizures/Neurologic symptoms: Keep warm and in a dark quiet area. Remove perches, dishes, etc. in cage. Get professional help immediately.

Vomiting: Make sure it is not normal mating regurgitation. Remove seeds, grit/gravel. Try on baby cereal with Gatorade.