There are several commercially made pet first aid kits on the market. The advantage to these is that you don't have to spend time searching for individual items, and everything comes together. One of the problems is that these kits are often generic for all pets. The least expensive kits contain the fewest supplies and may not have what you need in an emergency.

If you choose to put together a kit yourself, you can create one specific to a bird's needs, and include as many supplies as you like. Many of the supplies are ones you may have on hand already. Humans and other pets can use most items as well.

Plastic or thermal lunch boxes make good, inexpensive containers for first aid kits. For added protection, store first aid products in sealable plastic bags inside the box. Keep a bird first aid book in or near the kit.

• Antibiotic ointment (non-greasy) for minor cut or scrapes
• Artificial tear gel
• Bandages. Keep an assortment of rolled bandages to cover wounds and injuries
• Bitter Apple spray. Its bitter taste keeps your bird from chewing on her feathers or injuries
• Cotton balls and swabs for applying just about everything
• Eye wipes to clean eye discharge
• First aid lotion (non-greasy)
• Grease-cutting dishwashing detergent (mild) for cleaning wounds
• Hydrogen peroxide solution (3%). This is the most versatile item in your pet first aid kit. If you only have one thing available for pet emergencies, make it hydrogen peroxide.
• Iodine for wounds
• Locking forceps (5 inch) to remove broken blood feathers
• Rubber gloves for your own protection
• Saline solution to flush eyes
• Sanitary wipes for cleaning your bird's wounds and yourself
• Sterile eye ointment
• Styptic powder to stop bleeding on toe nails and feathers
• Syringe (large, no needle) for flushing wounds and administering medication
• Small nail scissors
• Tick release ointment
• Tweezers

• Bird bath or wash
• Towels (for restraint)
• Penlight
• Transport cage
• Quick energy supplements

Keep your bird's first aid kit in a cool, dry, easily accessible place, such as an interior closet. Many people keep medications and first aid supplies (even for humans) in bathrooms, but because of moisture from baths and showers this is not an ideal location.

• Temperature: 108 - 112 Fahrenheit
• Pulse Rate: 600 - 800 bpm
• Respiration: 75 - 100 respirations per minute

• Temperature: 108 - 112 Fahrenheit
• Pulse Rate: 200 - 300 bpm
• Respiration: 30 - 50 respirations per minute