Avian emergencies

The most important thing in the case of an emergency to remember is DON’T PANIC! If an emergency happens, take a deep breath, quickly get you first aid kit and proceed to apply first aid. (keep in mind that 'first aid' is only intended to stabilize your bird until treatment by a qualified avian vet is available) If you panic the bird will panic and get overly excited and it is not easy to administer first aid to an overly excited and frightened bird. Keep things as calm as you can.

Broken Blood Feather- restrain bird and find the source of bleeding. Sometimes gentle pressure for a period of time can stop the bleeding. If there is significant bleeding or pressure alone won’t stop it then an agent such as styptic powder (or corn starch, flour, baking soda) can be used sparingly with pressure to clot the blood. Keep the bird warm, place in a covered cage and keep the bird quiet, periodically checking to be certain that the bleeding has stopped. Check with your veterinarian to see if any other care is necessary.

Broken Toenail or Beak-Bleeding can be blotted and styptic powder applied with gentle pressure. When bleeding has stopped, place the bird in warm and darkened environment to prevent further excitement. Periodically checking bird for bleeding is important. If the beak was damaged the bird may be reluctant to eat due to sensitivity. Warm soft foods may be necessary to entice eating.

Bleeding from Mouth or Nostrils-this is considered a serious emergency situation and should receive immediate veterinary care. Sometimes blood in the mouth can be due to a beak injury, but unless you are sure this has occurred and you can see the beak damage get to the veterinarian.

Burns-Apply cool water. Use topical aloe vera gel or some other soothing non-greasy topical ointment or cream. Seek veterinary care for further evaluation.

Fractures-Immobilize fracture and apply antibiotic ointment to any protruding bone ends. Put a moist sterile saline dressings to open wounds. Keep bird warm and quiet. Seek immediate veterinary care.

Concussions-This occurs when a bird flies into a wall or window. Keep the bird warm and keep the bird in a darkened cage or container. If the bird does not return to normal after a few minutes and continues to show neurological deficits seek veterinary care.

Ingestion of Toxic Houseplants-The best action is prevention. Keep poisonous plants away from your bird. If your bird does get into a toxic plant try to flush out the mouth as best you can and if possible remove any portions that are still in the mouth. Most bird typically shred plants rather than ingest them and with their rapid GI systems plant toxicity are not that common in pet birds. However, do try to flush the mouth and then contact your veterinarian for advice.

Toxic Fumes-Any time you notice unusual smells, fumes or smoke, immediately remove your bird to a well-ventilated area free from the fumes, and if necessary out of the house. Use fans, open windows and ventilate the area. If the birds are showing any signs of breathing difficulties seek veterinary care immediately.

Vomiting-A bird that is vomiting can dehydrate rapidly. Try to determine the cause of the vomiting, illness, foreign body, toxicosis or disease. Keep the bird warm and quiet. If the bird continues to vomit seek veterinary care.

Loose Droppings-There are many reasons why birds may have watery droppings, including infections, GI upsets, insufficient diet, intake of human foods and numerous other causes. These birds should be kept warm and provided with enough fluids and electrolyte supplements to prevent dehydration. The bird should be taken to the veterinarian for proper diagnosis.

Blood in Droppings-One of the most common reasons for blood in the droppings of pet birds is heavy metal toxicosis, especially lead and zinc. These toxicoses cause blood in the urine. If you notice this with your bird you should seek veterinary care immediately. Blood may also be seen in the droppings with intestinal or cloacal infections, cloacal growths or with difficulties passing eggs. This will be seen as drops of blood in or on the surface of the dropping. Dark tarry droppings may indicate bleeding higher up in the small intestine. Once again veterinary care should be sought.

Animal Bites-Bite wounds from dogs, other birds and various animals frequently happen with pet birds. Sometimes the wounds can be quite extensive, involving fractures and may even lead to death. Find the wound, stop any bleeding, the wound should be cleaned and flushed out. If there is a fracture you can try to stabilize it for transport to the veterinarian.

Cat Bites-The reason cat bites are listed separately is because the bite of a cat can prove fatal to a bird despite a wound not appearing to be bad. The bacteria present on cats mouths and claws, can lead to rapid death in birds that have been injured by a cat. Veterinary care should be obtained immediately.

Egg Binding –Another potentially serious emergency. There are various degrees of egg binding and sometimes due to straining the bird may even tear the cloaca and oviduct and even rupture the egg. If this occurs seek veterinary care immediately. If the bird is trying to pass an egg it is helpful to keep the bird warm and provide calcium. Quite often egg binding is due to poor calcium supplements. If the egg is visable, sometimes dipping the bird’s bottom in warm water can enduce passage of the egg. A small amount of vegetable or mineral oil on the egg and vent can ease passage (use sparingly). Do not apply too much pressure or you may rupture the egg. Veterinary care should be sought if the egg does not pass. If it does pass and the passage was difficult still seek veterinary care to determine why the passage was difficult and what can be done to prevent it from happening again.

Hyperthermia (overheating)- Spray cool water on the feet and body. Rubbing alcohol can be applied to feet to cool. Monitor condition. If condition is not better seek veterinary care.

Seizures- Definitely a veterinary emergency, seek care immediately. Keep the bird in a darkened box and keep the bird warm. There are numerous causes for seizures so tests will need to be performed.

Foreign Objects in Crop- Best treatment is prevention. Seek veterinary care immediately.If caught early, it can be removed by massaging out through the mouth or through a crop incision. If the material moves further down past the crop, removal is much more difficult and will involve surgery. Do not feed the bird before taking to the veterinarian.

Skin cuts- for small cuts and scrapes, clean and apply antibiotic cream sparingly. For deep, large cuts or scrapes call your vet. Apply pressure to control bleeding. Put in a small enclosure, cover with a towel to keep it dark and transport to vet.

Excessive egg laying- DO NOT remove the egg. This is usually happens with a single pet bird. Decrease the amount of light the bird is exposed to down to 8 to 10 hours a day. Increase the amount of calcium in the diet and call your vet.

Sick bird- Call your veterinarian and let them know you are on the way. Place bird in small darkened enclosure. Keep warm with a hot water bottle covered with towel. Offer the bird its favorite foods and hydrate with pedialyte or Gatorade.