The Parrot Health Kit
One of the things you can do for your parrot, after sorting out their food and enclosure requirements, is to create a Parrot Health Kit. The kit should help you be prepared for life with your new feathered friend and consist of items needed for their health and wellbeing.
This list is based on my experiences and product availability in Australian and New Zealand stores. If I link to an item I will use the manufacturers website where possible so you can review their data sheets and directions. There will likely be variations on products for overseas markets, but hopefully this will serve as a guide for you to find similar products in your area.
Here is my selection of items that I feel are essential and worth spending your money on when considering your birds health:
1mL and 3mL Sterile Disposable Syringes (needles are not required): These are handy to have for use in various health related tasks such as for medicines.
Anti-bacterial wipes for clean up: Great to have on hand to clean up any mess and help prevent contamination.
Avian Insect Liquidator Ready To Use: This is an easy to use avian lice and mite spray to help keep your bird healthy and protected. It is recommended to temporarily remove their food and water sources before using the spray so you do not contaminate them.
Aviator Harness & Leash (optional): Used for safe outdoor adventures for your bird and for some sunshine and fresh air. It can take a little time for them to adjust to wearing one but is much safer than free flighting your parrot or wing clipping (which you shouldn't do).
Avicare Ready To Use: When it comes to cleaning your enclosures and perches this is certainly one of the better products and is available in many stores.
Battery Powered Bird Nail Grinder : When it comes to parrot nail trimming this is a much safer alternative to using nail clippers or nail scissors. The two speed version is preferable or you can visit your vet for assistance. Having good natural perches for your bird may mean nail trimming is unnecessary.
Digital Scales: You must be able to monitor your parrots weight for medicine related reasons, and for monitoring a general healthy weight range.
Diluted Non-Soapy Chlorhexidine or Diluted Liquid Betadine/Iodine: This is for small, superficial, and nonbleeding wounds on skin. Use only if advised and avoid their mouth, ear canals, and eyes with this product.
Eyedropper: This item can be handy for administering medicines.
Latex Gloves: Its not all about your parrot, you need to keep safe also. Once again make sure you dispose of them immediately after use.
Local Emergency Vet Details: It is good to have a list of a few veterinarian locations in your area. Some don't work with birds for whatever reason, so make sure you give them a call and ask before you actually need one. You can then be relatively sure that if an emergency happens you wont be wasting time ringing around only to find out they won't help.
Magnifying Glass: No matter how young your eyes are, you will need this to be able to read the directions on those supplements and medicine labels. Also handy if you need to inspect a skin issue on your parrot. Or you can also use your cellphone camera to zoom in on labels.
Penlight: When inspecting your bird or their enclosure a simple penlight certainly helps detect any issues.
Scissors: Used for trimming Vet Wrap and if needed to free a bird from entanglement.
Sterile Saline Solution: These can be purchased in small ampules and are very handy for wound cleaning and flushing.
Styptic gel with applicator: Used on very minor wounds to quickly stop small bleeding such as if a nail trim is a little too aggressive. You should prefer the gel and applicator version over the powdered version as it is toxic if swallowed.
Swabs for wound cleaning: Having a prepackaged box of swabs for wound cleaning can come in handy, just make sure you dispose of them immediately after use to prevent your parrot from getting hold of them.
Synbiotic Avian Support: This can be used to aid in balancing the digestive system and to help restore the gut health of your parrot.
Towel: Handy for holding your parrot, clean up, or to cover your travel carrier enclosure when in use.
Travel Carrier Enclosure: Handy for any quick trips to the vet or for emergencies. If you have a large enclosure that cannot be moved easily you should have the ability to evacuate your bird to safety using one of these.
Triple C: Typically this is for when a bacterial infection is suspected. If your parrot seems to be feeling a little off and you are concerned, this product may be able to help until you can get them booked in for a thorough medical check up.
Vet Wrap: Using vet wrap on sections of perches can help older birds with comfort and enhance grip. Frequently check its condition though, just in case your bird is prone to nibbling on it.
Wormout Gel: This product is readily available in most stores and it is important to give your parrots a wormer treatment. Do note that it will turn water bright orange. Some birds wont mind, however if you have a fussy parrot they may initially refuse it. If you are unsure about using this product for fussy birds contact your local avian vet and book an appointment for a worming treatment.
That's about it for creating a Parrot Health Kit. You don't need to buy everything at once, just try to build up your kit over time so you have good quality items from reputable stores.
Also, pay attention to the expiry dates on the products before you purchase them. There's nothing worse than buying a product only to find it expires next month.
