Have a bird? Plan for emergencies.

Secure your Cage – all opening doors and removable bottoms need to be secured to prevent opening and escape. Use twist ties. Secure the cage to the wall using hook and eye. Don’t keep the cage under a shelf where objects can fall on it. Don’t keep the cage near a window that might break during a disaster. Keep pliers and wire on hand to repair any damage to the cage during a disaster.

Food – have a two weeks supply at a time and store in airtight,waterproof container. Use the brand your bird is use to and rotate every three months.

Gravel (not all types of birds) – Have a two week supply at a time.

Cuttle Bone and/or Beak conditioner – Have an extra one always on hand.

Water for drinking and cleaning – two weeks supply in plastic containers. Keep in a cool and dark place and rotate every two months.

Cleaning Supplies and Paper Towels – disinfectant to clean cage and two weeks supply of what you put on bottom of cage, like newspaper, butcher paper, gravel paper, etc.

Extra Seed Bowls and Water Containers – Keep several of these in case others break. Put extra food and water in them, so if you forget the bird will have plenty of food and water.

First Aid Supplies and Book for Birds – Talk to your vet as to the recommended book. Some suggestions: Kwik Stop or cornstarch for bleeding, tweezers, heavy duty gloves bandaging materials.

Net and Towel – A long handled net with small enough openings so that your bird can’t poke its head through and a towel in case your bird escapes and you have to recapture it. Also a heavy towel or blanket should be with your disaster supplies as it may be cold and you have to cover the cage to keep the bird warm.

Evacuation Cage – you should have a small cage for transportation and be sure it is one that your bird can’t escape or chew its way out of.

Flash light and extra batteries – used to regulate light hours for your bird, which is important to your birds health.

Recent pictures of your bird with any distinguishing marks. Also include yourself in these pictures as proof of ownership. Think about micro chipping your bird as a more permanent ID. Collars obviously won’t work.

Medication – If your bird is on long term medication, make sure you have a two week supply on hand. Prescriptions may not be able to be filled.

Does your vet have a disaster plan in case your bird needs attention after a disaster? Locate a backup vet in case yours isn’t available.

On vacation, make sure your pet sitter has a plan in case of disaster.

Adapted with permission from the Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS)
More information: Tel: 916/429/2457 or uan.org