Prepare for Emergencies before they Occur

Are you and your bird prepared for possible weather emergencies?

It can be a little overwhelming thinking of tornados, floods, severe thunderstorms, lightning strikes, power outages, early hurricanes, and how to stay safe and prepared.

Being prepared is the key to avoiding a lot of worry and keeping both you and your bird safe during a weather emergency.

Sometimes during and after storms, power outages can happen.  It's good to have some extra non-perishable bird food on hand for emergencies.  Include a few bottles of water, as well as some paper towels, and a bird first aid kit.  Make sure to have either a carrier or small travel cage.  Having some fresh fruit on hand can provide some quick energy food and a distraction for an upset bird as you move quickly to stay safe.

If your bird is frightened by thunder and storms, try covering the cage so your bird feels more secure.  Placing your bird in a carrier or smaller cage and covering, can also provide the security feeling.  Placing your bird in the carrier or cage before the weather gets bad, can be especially helpful, as during the storm you may be dealing with a very stressed or panicked bird who might try and fly away, or bite in fear.  

A carrier can be a lifesaver for your bird if you need to move quickly to an interior room in your home, to a storm shelter, or even evacuate during dangerous weather events.  Emergency items can be stored year-round inside the carrier so everything is always ready when you need it.  

Some birds may relate carriers to not so good events such as vet visits.  Begin early to teach your bird that his or her carrier can be a cool place to hang out.  Make the carrier available to your bird often throughout the year with treats and favorite toys inside.  Bird treats and foot toys that your bird can go into the carrier and retrieve can be good training.

It's always a very good idea to have a towel stored with your carrier supplies in the event your bird never learns to like the carrier, as it can be used a quick wrap to move your bird from cage to carrier.  Don't worry about removing the towel, just deposit bird and towel into carrier.  Birds pick up quickly on human emotion and if you are nervous or stressed by the weather, then even the bird that is a sweetheart, may be nippier than usual and avoiding the bite will benefit both you and your bird.  The towel in the carrier may also provide a snuggle place,or even nip at instead of you.