Putting A First Aid Kit Together

Know how to restrain your bird properly. Knowing this may just save your bird's life!

When a bird is injured, you will need to stop the bleeding before you take your bird to the avian veterinarian. Apply direct pressure to the wounded area and once you get the bleeding under control, then transport the bird to the veterinarian. Remember that the bird can bleed to death very rapidly.

Egg binding, seizures, concussions, protrusions from the vent, difficulty breathing, wheezing, broken bones, etc. need to be taken care of immediately. Get to the veterinarian ASAP!

It is always a good idea to have an emergency kit for your birds. Most of the items included here can be bought at any drug store. Some of the other items you may have to go to a medical supply store to obtain. Whenever you take a trip with your bird, make sure that you bring along a miniature version of the listed items.

ITEMS IN THE KIT

*List of veterinarians and other emergency numbers

*Sterile syringes, no needles: to squirt liquid over injured area or to give avian veterinarian prescribed medication.

*Gauze sponges or pads: to clean the injured area.

*Bandaging materials (gauze or ace bandage that has lost most of its elasticity.

*Towels to restrain the bird or cover the cage.

*Rubbing alcohol (Isoproply) & hydrogen peroxide: to clean an injured area or disinfect equipment.

*Clotting agent (styptic powder, flour or corn starch) to stop bleeding.

*Cotton tipped applicators (Q-tips) to help clean the injured area.

*Hot water bottle, heating pad, or heat light: to keep the bird warm.

*Needle nosed pliers or hemostats: to pull blood feathers or hold things.

*Nail file: to file nails or beaks.

*Sterile saline solution: to help clean or wet an area to get a better look.

Providone iodine syrup and solution (Betadine): to help sterilize area or to be used to clean your hands.

*Penlight flashlight: to provide you with extra light so you can see what you are looking at.

*Tweezers, long and blunted are best: to help you remove material (i.e. seed caught in nares).

*Hand feeding formula or baby food: to give your bird some extra nutrition

Small scissors: to cut gauze or bandaging material.

*Apple juice (the best one to use), Pedialyte, diluted karo syrup: give to prevent dehydration.

*Paper, pen and pencils: to write down what you did and when.

*Wooden tongue depressors: to open your birds mouth, (not for use with larger birds).

*Tape. (masking) won't stick to the feathers much: to hold bandages in place.

*Ziplock bags: to take samples to the vet such as fecals or ingested substances.

*K-Y Jelly (water based lubricant).

*Latex gloves: protects your hands against hazardous materials.

*Sick cage such as an aquarium tank or small cage: to keep a sick or injured bird warm and quiet.

NEVER apply oil anywhere on the bird!

NEVER give over the counter medicines without an avian veterinarian's approval. They can mask the symptoms of an illness which may result in an erroneous diagnosis!

NEVER treat a bird yourself. This is something that your avian veterinarian must do! Do not self-medicate a bird, ever!

NEVER use slaves, ointments, or creams if your bird gets burned. Use cool water instead.

NEVER give your bird medication meant for a human unless directed to do so by an avian veterinarian.

Our Logo Birds

Our Logo Birds are named "Tarzan" & "Jane"

Also known as Bozo & Goldie.

Goldie “Jane” ,is on the left side of the photo( A Blue & Gold Macaw) that was taken while fruits and veggies where being prepared for all the birds in the sanctuary.

She was purchased at the Los Angles Bird show in November of 1991 at the young age of three months.

Her new mate, “Bozo “aka “Tarzan (A Brazilian Scarlet Macaw) on the right side of this photo m was also purchased at the Los Angles Bird show at the age of 6 months.

Both birds where selected & purchased by the founder & Co founder William M. Driggins & Christopher J. Driggins.

His first core intention of this purchase was to hope these opposite sexed set of birds would bond and breed an exotic highbred Name a “Catalina Macaw”.

Until Christopher started to realize his dream would jus become part of the already over blown population of exotic birds that in America that where in most cases the birds out live their owners.

At this large bird show, with over ten thousand birds. Christopher noticed a large amount of handicapped and special needs birds that sparked his interest. He had already had his first rescue of “Caesar” a Goffin Cockatoo.

And while at the bird show he and his father purchased special needs elderly Umbrella Cockatoo. Noticing, and understanding that the handicap birds would need special housing, perches and toys.

He began a small rescue for elderly & handicapped birds.

Not to mention special perches & specialized arranged toys for their exercise. This touched him and he discovered a special need to sanctuary these special needs birds and elderly birds.

So back in the early 1990’s Christopher Driggins had his heart touched by a broken feather.

Signs Of Illness Or Injury

Knowing what is normal and what is abnormal for your bird can save its life. These are some of the warning signs. Remember, never treat the bird yourself. Always go to an avian veterinarian. The earlier you catch signs of an illness, the better chance your bird has to recover.

APPEARANCE:

- Shivering on perch

- Swaying or falling

- Inability to perch

- Loss of use of a limb

- Laying on the bottom of the cage

- Convulsions

- Sitting with feet farther apart

- Drooping head

- Dazed

- Swelling with air ( looks puffed up like a balloon)

- Wings drooping

- Leaning to one side

- Sleepy appearance

- Loss of balance

- Fluffed up

- Head weaving (non-behavioral)

- Flicking of head

- Tail bobbing

- Signs of hypothermia that do not disappear

NARES, MOUTH, CERE:

- Discharge from nares.

- Clogged nares.

- Blocked nares.

- Discharge from mouth.

- Sores in the soft tissue around beak.

- Whitish bumps on the roof of the mouth.

- Regurgitation (not caused because the bird is happy to see you.)

RESPIRATORY:

- Sneezing (not caused because the bird has learned to imitate you. Wet sneeze.

- Coughing (not caused because the bird has learned to imitate you.)

- Difficulty breathing.

- Rattling or clicking noise when breathing.

- Tail bobbing when breathing.

- Rapid breathing.

- Labored breathing.

- Blocked air ways.

- Thunking sound when stressed.

FEATHER CHANGES:
- Abnormal feathers (color, growth, etc.)

- Matted feathers around eyes, nares, mouth, or vent

- Dark blotches or lines in feathers

- Loss of feather sheen

- Feather plucking

- Decreased preening

-Deformed feathers

- Ruffled feathers (consistently)

- Bothering one spot

- Drab, dirty looking feathers

- Unusually heavy molt

- Missing feathers not due to plucking

EYES:

- Kicking or rubbin at eye area

- Eyes that have an opaque milky appearance

- Eyes that are dull and listless

- Tearing

- Discharge from eye

- Dull lifeless eyes

- Puffy, swollen or red eyes

- Eyes half closed when the bird is not sleeping, or napping

BEHAVIOR:

- Decrease in activity

- Hyperactivity

- Sudden biting attacks

- Decrease in vocalizations

- Unusual fears

- Thrashing or night fright

- Abrupt changes in personality

- Moodiness/irritability

- Stops talking

- Sudden whimpiness

- Regression to baby behavior (weaning, almost weaning)

DROPPINGS:
- Diarrhea (not caused by extra fruit in the diet)

- Blood in any discharge

- Color changes in droppings (not diet related)

- Constipation or a decrease in number of droppings

- Soiled or pasted vent

- Smelly droppings

- Undigested seed or food in droppings

- Matted or stained feathers around vent

- Increased number of droppings

- Decreased number of droppings

FOOD AND WATER CONSUMPTION:

- Not eating or drinking

- Water intake increase

- Water intake decrease

- Refusing favorite food

- Sudden increase in weight

- Loss of weight

LUMPS, BUMPS, BRUISES, SORES:

- Swelling on face, eyes or cere

- Swelling on legs and feet

- Lumps on wings

- Lumps in chest or belly

- Lumps, other

ACCIDENTS:

- Injuries (broken wing, head injuries, broken beaks, bruising, bleeding or swelling of an area)

- Bleeding

- Open sores or wounds

- Bone protruding

- Wing drooping or misaligned

- Cuts, scratches, abrasions

- Bruises

- Refusing to put weight on one foot

CROPS:

- Crop that does not empty

- Baggy over-stretched crop

- Air in the crop

- Slow emptying crop

NAILS AND FEET:

- Overgrown nails and beaks that need care every few weeks

- Toes appear black (or not normal color

- Loss of use of leg

- Cannot grip perch

- Sores on feet

- Scaly, crusty appearing feet

- Overly sensitive feet

- Swelling feet

If your bird is displaying any of these symptoms, bring them into a veterinarian immediately! Never try to treat your bird yourself using "over-the-counter" medications. Your veterinarian is the only one who can make a diagnosis!

In Memory

In Honor of William Marshal Driggins

This page was created especially for Chris "Birdman" Driggins in memory of his father.

William Marshall Driggins Jan 26, 1918- Sept 26, 2005

Local Co-Founder of Bird Rescue “Fly's Away” William Marshal Driggins Born January 26, 1918 in Corning New York was called home to be with the Lord on September 26, 2005 in Portland, Oregon. He was 87. William Marshall Driggins son of Augustine and Mary Driggins of Corning, New York is preceded in death by George Alfred, Elizabeth Emily, Eleanor D., Augustine Thomas, Olive Ester, Phillip Lee, John Lewis, Mary Matilda, Catherine Lavita, Townsend Lawrence, and Sylvester Lawrence of New York. Having many members of his family who suffered from diabetes, inspired him to seek an education in dietary needs. He received his Bachelors degree in Dietetics at Tuskegee Institute, Tuskegee, Alabama.

He was a graduate student of Dr. George W. Carver. He entered Columbia University in 1941. His schooling was interrupted by WWII. He served as one of the first Black commissioned officers 1st LT in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Australia, New Guinea and the Philippines. After an Honorable discharge in 1945, William continued his education and returned to Columbia University NYC, NY to complete his Masters degree in Institutional Management. William was an Assist. Professor at Morgan State College, Baltimore, MD and Director of Commercial Dietetics at Tuskegee Institute, Alabama. He moved to Iowa attended Iowa State University in Ames, IA to pursue his doctorate degree. Family obligations included an ill elderly father in law and raising five children with his wife Trudy, which interrupted his education and in full pursuit of his career challenged himself and accepted positions as Chief Steward of a Penal Institution in Anamosa, Iowa. Director of Food Service at Jackson State Prison, Jackson, Michigan., Food Administrator at California State Hospital in Camarillo, California., and Chino Correctional Youth Authority at Chino, California. After the loss of his first wife Trudy, William remarried an old acquaintance Ellen Torrance-Law and they enjoyed the golden years of retirement in Portland, Oregon. Over the last fifteen years he was an active member of the Century Year Old Grand Knights for the Knights of Columbus for. For 10 years of his tender. He had the Honor of holding the position of Grand Knight of Chapter 687 of Portland. The president of the NW Bird Rescue & Adoption Orphanage of Vancouver, Washington with his youngest son Christopher Driggins. William is preceded in death by his wife Ellen-Law, daughter Virginia Judith, and sons, William Anthony, and Butch Driggins, first wife Gertrude Ferguson Driggins. Surviving children include Darryl Michael Driggins-Henderson, NV, Ellevese Jodie Wilson, Ames, IA and Christopher James Driggins, Vancouver, Washington, and five Grandchildren. Two services are scheduled to be held. The first service shall be on Wednesday, October 5, 2005 at 12:00 noon in the Holy Redeemer Church. 25 N. Portland Blvd, Portland, Oregon 97211 .The second service will be held at the Forest Lawn Funeral Home, West Covina, California were he will be interned with his first wife Gertrude Ferguson Driggins. His wishes include that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his beloved Bird Rescue Organization. The non-profit organization he worked so hard to help develop, which addresses a great need in helping the birds he loved so much.

Items Dangerous To Parrots

FOOD ITEMS

The following are food items never to feed. Even in small doses they can be fatal.

Chocolate, avocados, sugar, unwashed fruits and veggies (due to the pesticides). Mayonnaise products (go bad fast). Old seeds and nuts (can contain fungus or alfa toxins). Rhubarb , and milk or egg products from a public dispenser. Any food containing MSG (generally found in Chinese restaurant food).

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

New carpeting, cedar bedding, cedar paneling, color newspaper print, teflon, self-cleaning ovens, oil based paints, led based paints, antifreeze.

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

Dishwasher detergent, drain cleaner, floor polish, floor wax, furniture polish, furniture wax, gasoline, kerosene, lye, oven cleaner, paint remover, paint thinner, shoe polish, toilet bowl cleaner, wood preservatives.

COMMON SENSE DANGERS

Open toilet bowls, pots and pans on the stove. Electrical wires, dog and cat saliva, sharp

objects, needles, pins, razors and razor blades, computer mouse, computer keyboard, open water dishes, electrical appliances, dishwasher, refrigerator and freezers.

OTHER KNOWN TOXINS

Acetone, air rifle pellets, algae toxins, alcohol, ammonia, amphetamines, ant syrup or paste, arsenic, asbestos, ashtrays, aspirin, automotive products, base of light bulbs, batteries, bleach, bonemeal products, boric acid, bug bombs, bug pesticides, bullets, caffeine, camphophenique, car exhaust, carbon monoxide, carbon tetrachloride, certain soaps, charcoal lighter, chemical sprays, chlordane, cigarettes, cigars, cigarette smoke, clinitest tablets, copper and brass polish, corn and wart remover, cosmetics, costume jewelry, crayons, curtain weights, DDT, deodorants, detergents, dolomite, epoxy glue, fabric softeners, fertilizers, firecrackers, fishing sinkers, fishing weights, flea bombs, as well as flea collars. Fluoracetates, fluoropolymers from spray cans, foil from champagne bottles, foil from wine bottles, galvanized chicken wire, garbage toxins, garden sprays, gun cleaners,

hair dye fumes, hair dyes, hair spray, hardware cloth, herbicides, hexacholorophene, indelible felt markers, all insecticides, iodine, lead painted doors, moldings and windows, leaded gasoline fumes, lead salts in linoleum, leaded weights in some bird toys, lighter fluid, matches (safety matches ok), medicines, model cement, moth balls, muriatic acid, nail polish, nail polish remover, oven cleaner, perfumes, permanent wave solutions, pesticide strips, photographic solutions, pipe tobacco, pine oil, putty, rat or mouse poison, red squill, roach poison, self cleaning ovens, shaving lotions, sheet rock, shellac, shoe polish, shotgun pellets, silver polish, sleeping pills, smoke, snail bait, solder, some types of zippers, spot remover, spray starch, strychnine, sulfuric acid, suntan lotions, super glue, surgical acrylics, thallium, unglazed ceramics, warfarin, wee killer, weighted items, wild mushrooms, window wash solvents, and zinc.

This is only a partial list. Check the labels of any household cleaners that you use or talk to your avian veterinarian.