Natural First Aid Products For Birds !
First aid items we shall have at home for out little friends!
⦁ Charcoal – helps flush toxins from the body. The birds instinctively eat it when they don’t feel well. I add charcoal to my grit mix which is available 24/7. It can also be fed to budgies in case of suspected poisoning.
⦁ Apple Cider Vinegar – possesses some amazing health benefits for humans as well as budgies. Adding one tablespoon per gallon to the drinking water for several days helps improve immune systems, guards against bad bacteria and maintains digestive health in the intestines. ACV also acts as an antiseptic by killing germs that cause respiratory problems and promotes healthy mucus flow. I add ACV to drinking water one week each month year around. If you are treating a sick bird increase the amount of ACV by 3-4 times.
⦁ Coconut Oil – Can be smeared in the legs, feet, beak and cere to smother and kill scaleyface/scaleyleg mites.
⦁ Cornstarch – is a fast and effective way to stop bleeding. Applied topically, it can quickly staunch the flow of blood from a wound or cut.
⦁ Epsom Salt – a little dissolved in drinking water will assist with intestinal tract blockage and reduce diarrhea.
⦁ Garlic Juice – You can buy it commercially prepared or make your own by steeping minced garlic in water then straining the solids. Fresh garlic or garlic juice added to the drinking water will help boost immune systems and increase respiratory health. Garlic is also a natural wormer, and helps to control internal parasites. For fast natural treatment for mites, lice and other external parasites spray under your birds’ wings and around their vents.
⦁ Honey – A great natural antiseptic that will keep wounds clean and free from infection.. and obviously non-toxic if inadvertently eaten by the hen.
⦁ Liquid Calcium - can help an egg-bound hen pass her egg before it is too late. A few drops direct to the beak every hour or two is usually all that is needed, and she is able to pass the egg, avoiding a potentially life threatening condition.Calcium is required to create strong egg shells, and it is also responsible for the contractions that help the egg through the oviduct. Adding liquid calcium to the drinking water in the months leading up to, and during the breeding season, will help the hen build up her reserves.Splayed legs in chicks are often associated with a calcium deficiency. If you catch it early enough administer 2-3 drops direct to the beak each day and the legs will often revert to their correct position.
⦁ Molasses – contains an abundance of nutrients and minerals which can be beneficial to a bird that is lethargic or recovering from illness or stress. Molasses will also help flush toxins if you suspect accidental poisoning or botulism. Caution: Molasses fed in large quantities can cause diarrhea so just add a few drops at a time to the drinking water.
⦁ Oil of Oregano – has recently been studied as a natural antibiotic by commercial poultry farms, especially effective when fed in conjunction with cinnamon.
⦁ Saline Solution – can be used to cleanse eyes and nostrils, as well as cleansing a wound.
⦁ Tea Bags – Cold tea (black or green) is a very effective treatment of diarrhea. Make a cup of tea, similar strength to you would make to drink. When it has cooled use as the sole source as drinking water for several days.
⦁ Cinnamon – can help keep infection at bay when included in the diet, and as a bonus cinnamon helps relieve respiratory distress. Powdered cinnamon can be added to your softfood mix.
