First Aid for Birds: The Essential Quick-Reference Guide

by Tim Hawcroft

Author Tim Hawcroft guides owners on when to call the veterinarian and how to treat emergencies at home and in the field. A special section on assessing symptoms and evaluating first aid priorities enables any bird owner to help a bird that is bleeding, choking, poisoned, or injured. There is also emphasis on accident prevention.

Genres: Birds

96 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1994

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used to live with a dog who would spend his walks searching for injured birds. I kid you not. He only had three legs so maybe that disability made him more sensitive to the plight of his feathered friends. We’d be walking normally and then I’d feel a firm tug that stopped me from proceeding forward. Looking back, I would spot my Tripod sitting in front of a fallen nest or an injured bird. If I approached, the birds would panic and try to move. But if Tripod nudged them with his always wet nose, they would simply stay still. This allowed me to scoop them up and head over to a neighbour who specialized in fixing up the birds. After I moved to another city, I decided to find a guide to help in case I ever had to help our little flyer buddies. It had to have pictures and be of short enough length so that I wouldn’t lose attention. This book turned out to be a nice fit.

The book has many tips and tricks to help the ill or injured bird. It begins by making sure you set up an appropriate area for the patient, while reminding you not to have any exposed electrical wiring which the bird can bite. Then, it’s on to the hard part, which is being able to pick up a bird for transport. One great tip is to remember that birds need to grip something, so bring a small roll of bandage, which will fit their sharp claws. Then, it reviews which patients you may be able to help on your own and which ones will require better medical attention. Finally, there is the section focused on the specific first aid, such as fractures, heat stroke, and hypothermia.

I’ve been fortunate enough to live near wildlife centers which take in feathered patients, but a local desert sanctuary closed down when the owner retired, so this book moved to the front of the shelf, just in case (another agency has since re-opened the rehab facility). It’s very easy to read and more importantly, to get to the information you need very quickly. There’s no AI sending you down the wrong path, just solid know-how to get the job done.

Book Season = Year Round (ecological protection)

[Cadence Thibodeau · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fabulous book and has definitely come in handy with my two parakeets and keeping them safe and healthy!

[David Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very useful and valuable resource. I always want to be sure I can provide adequate care for my birds at a moment's notice, and I'll gladly keep this on hand. I would have liked a little more information on bird anatomy generally, however.