Help! Parrot Animal Attack! Handling Bird Emergencies

Any animal attack is life threatening to your pet bird and often requires IMMEDIATE veterinary care. Even if your bird looks normal or it was light physical contact.

Avian vets report that they see a lot of birds that got attacked by an animal. Of course, we often think that dog and cat attacks are the most common, but attacks from another pet bird are very common and dangerous problem, too.  Mixing ferrets and birds is not a good idea, either. And, there have even been reports of wild raccoon's and stray animals entering through doggy doors to attack birds.  Birds in outdoor aviaries can also be a target to raccoon's and hawks.

Step 1: Get Your Bird Out of Danger

Ensure Personal Safety First

Before rushing in, make sure you’re not in danger. If you're dealing with an aggressive dog or cat, you may need help—ask the animal’s owner or a nearby person to assist.

If you're alone, try to startle the attacker by shouting, clapping, or spraying water.

For large or very aggressive animals, use a stick to defend yourself and don’t hesitate to call for help.

Remember: You can’t help your bird if you’re hurt, too.

If the animal is still holding your bird, carefully immobilize it by the scruff of the neck, then gently remove your bird—never squeeze.

Your bird may have internal injuries, so handle them with extreme care.

Safely Retrieve Your Bird

If the animal is still holding your bird, carefully immobilize it by the scruff of the neck, then gently remove your bird—never squeeze.

Your bird may have internal injuries, so handle them with extreme care.

Once it’s safe, scoop up your bird gently and get out of the danger zone fast. Grab your bird first aid kit and take your bird to a clean, calm, well-lit area.

Step 2: Immediate Triage and Rapid Assessment

Stop Severe Bleeding and Treat for Shock

• Stop severe bleeding immediately using Super Clot Gel or cornstarch.
• Look for any signs of shock such as fluffed feathers and rapid breathing.
• Conduct a visual assessment - making notes to discuss with the vet clinic
• Place your bird in a warm hospital cage and keep it warm and quiet.
• Make sure that your bird has food and water 
• Check your birds condition frequently for a minimum of one hour

Conduct a Quick Visual Assessment

Check eyes, breathing, feather condition, posture, sunken chest, abrasions, lacerations, and potential broken bones quickly but gently.

Step 3: Call Your Avian Vet Immediately

Clearly Communicate Symptoms

1. Print out the emergency worksheet above
2. Record your avian vet's telephone number on it. Also, search emergency clinics that treat exotics or birds and jot the phone number and address down (update annually).
3. In an emergency, write notes about your birds condition and be sure to convey them to the vet tech or reception

Follow Vet Instructions

Note any immediate advice from your vet to stabilize your bird further before transport.

Step 4: Follow the 4 C’s to Stabilize Your Bird

C-over Your Hands (Wear Gloves)

Always use latex gloves or sanitized hands when handling injured birds.

C-heck for Remaining Danger

Ensure the attacking animal has been securely removed or restrained.

C-alm Yourself and Your Bird

Birds sense emotions; stay calm to prevent additional stress or shock.

C-all Your Vet Again

Confirm your bird’s readiness for immediate transport to the vet.

Step 5: Stabilizing Fractures or Dislocations

A Word of Reassurance: There is a myth that a bird with a broken leg or wing should be put down. That is simply not true. While a permanent injury is far from ideal, the worst case is that your bird will still live a long happy life with only one functional wing or leg, hopping around! Diane Burroughs, LCSW May 10, 2025

Immobilize Gently

Use soft materials like vet tape to carefully immobilize broken or dislocated limbs without restricting blood flow or breathing.

Step 6: Safely Transporting Your Bird to the Vet

Prepare a Warm Transport Cage

Carefully place your bird in a clean, quiet hospital cage or small carrier right away. Make sure the cage is warm and draft-free to help prevent shock. If your bird seems weak or unsteady, lower the perch—or remove it completely—and line the bottom with a soft towel so your bird can rest without falling or struggling to balance.

Important Reminders

Severe Risks from Animal Attacks

Even minor bites carry lethal bacterial risks. Immediate vet attention is always required.

Next Steps: Prepare Your Bird First Aid Kit Now

Essential Items for Your First Aid Kit

Include Super Clot Gel, gauze, latex gloves, towel, Avistraint, a clean cage, and emergency vet contacts.

In Conclusion...

Parrot emergencies can happen in an instant—and when they do, staying calm and prepared can make all the difference. Print out the emergency notes handout and keep it in your bird’s first aid kit. Jotting down details and having your vet’s info handy gives your bird the best chance at a full recovery. Your quick actions, love, and care are what matter most.

Related Posts:

11 Signs You Have a Sick Bird and What to Do Right Away

How to Prepare a Bird First Aid Kit

How To Make A Bird Hospital Cage For An Injured or Sick Bird

References:

Green Cross Vets. (n.d.). How to help an injured bird: The complete guide. Green Cross Vets. Retrieved May 10, 2025, from https://www.greencrossvets.com.au/found-an-injured-bird-here-is-what-to-do/

Sakas, P. S. (n.d.). Avian first aid. Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center. Retrieved from https://nilesanimalhospital.com/files/2012/05/Avian-First-Aid1.pdf

Link to this blog

Burroughs, D. (2025, May 10). Help! Parrot animal attack! Handling bird emergencies. BirdSupplies.com. https://birdsupplies.com/blogs/news/157074119-help-my-bird-got-attacked-by-an-animal?pb=0