If not, NOW is the time to stock up on the items that you will need so you will not get caught unprepared. Listed below is a shopping list for you to use. The next time you buy food or supplies for your bird, take this list with you. Don’t put off doing what you should do now – it may just make the difference between being able to keep your bird alive when a disaster strikes.

1. FOOD: Always have a reserve supply of the type of food your bird is used to eating that would last two weeks. Store food in an airtight, waterproof container and clearly mark all your containers with your personal information. Rotate food at least once every three (3) months.

2. Gravel/Cuttlebone/Beak Conditioner: Have at least a two week supply at all times. (Not for all types of birds) Always have an extra cuttlebone/beak conditioner in your bird’s disaster kit.

3. Water: Have enough drinking water to last at least 2 weeks for each bird in your household. Store water in a cool, dark location, and be sure to rotate it so it remains fresh. Remember that if the tap water is not suitable for humans to drink, it is also not suitable for animals to drink. Include with your disaster supplies, an extra water dish, just in case the one normally used is lost. Make sure you have enough water on hand for cleaning as well.

4. SANITATION: Include paper towels in your birds disaster kit. Have some plastic bags in the kit for disposing of your bird’s dirty paper towel and waste.

5. CLEANING SUPPLIES: Include in your bird’s kit, a small container of soap for washing out and disinfecting the dishes and the bird cage. Have a at least a two week supply of whatever it is that you put on the bottom of the cage (ie: newspaper)

6. EXTRA SEED BOWLS AND WATER CONTAINER: Have several seed cups/water containers to replace ones that might get broken. You may want to put an extra food and water dish in the cage, so that in case you forget to feed the bird in all the confusion, the bird will have plenty of food and water available.

7. FIRST AID SUPPLIES AND BOOK FOR BIRDS: Check with your vet to find out what he/she recommends you include in your bird’s First Aid Kit. Some suggestions include: Kwik Stop or Corn Starch to stop bleeding. Tweezers. Heavy Duty Gloves (for handling the bird if it is injured and trying to bite) Bandaging Materials.

8. CAGE FOR EVACUATION: You should have a small cage for transporting (evacuating) your bird and be sure it is one that your bird can not chew his/her way out of.

9. NET AND TOWEL: A long handled net with small enough openings so that your bird can not poke his/her head through, and a heavy towel in case your bird escapes and you have to recapture him/her. A heavy towel/blanket should be with your bird’s kit in case disaster strikes when it is cold and you have to cover the cage to keep your bird warm. Some birds need to have the cage covered for sleep. Use a towel if you have to. Remember to try and pack a light cotton sheet in case a disaster happens during the hot summer.

10. PICTURES: You should have in your bird’s and your disaster kit, some current photos of your bird in case your bird gets lost during the disaster. Include one of you with your bird in case you have to prove ownership.

11. FLASHLIGHT AND BATTERIES: This is used to regulate light hours for your bird, which is important for your bird’s health. Other suggestions: Have your bird microchipped. If your bird is on long term medication include a two weeks supply the kit. Check to make sure your cage is secure.

In case of an evacuation bring you, your family and your pets to the Disaster Reception Center and REGISTER!! We can’t help if we don’t know where you are.