Feeding birds in an emergency situation

[jacattack]

Hey guys, I’m sure some of you know about the PNW fires that are going crazy right now. I am unfortunately very close to many of them, and am in a warning zone, so I’m packing everything for my birds (a budgie and a GCC) in case of an evacuation. My biggest concern is their food situation. They are on a homemade vegetable/grain chop that I keep in the freezer and defrost for them in the morning. They also get a mix of Harrisons and TOPS pellets, but they aren’t super crazy about them and cannot live only off of pellets, even if its a few days. I’ve never had to evacuate before so I’m not sure if the frozen chop would even be an option to bring along, so I would really appreciate if you guys have any recommendations! I’m looking at a freeze dried food, “Bird Street Bistro”, but I’m not sure it can arrive in time. Do you guys have any recipes for something similar, like “just add water” that can be shelf stable? I am not a supporter of seed mixes for main diets, but in a scenario where I can’t find anything else, would a homemade seed mix be okay temporarily?

I also give them homemade “birdy bread” as a treat, which consists mainly of crushed pellets, oat flour and blended greens. Could this be an option for replacing their daily chop?

Thank you guys, I really appreciate any advice!!

 

[wrench1356]

Get a small cooler, 6 pck size, a few ice pac thingys (freeze these) and toss them and the food into the cooler if you need to bug out. SHould last at least 4-5 days. I also feed a frozen chop, but Salty will eat pellets and nutraberries when thats not available. Stay safe out there!

 

[AMD56]

Stay safe, good luck!

 

[osklvste59]

Don't forget water and some kind of soot shield for both of you. Be safe!

 

[GivemeSeedsorgivemeFlesh60]

I've heard a damp towel over the carrier might help a bit with the smoke situation. Good luck! At the very worst, where you evacuate to should have grocery stores where you can hopefully pick up some frozen vegetables.

 

[Jcas55]

Good for you thinking a little bit ahead! Remember: In an emergency situation, the most important thing is that your birds get fed. They aren’t going to suffer serious diet deficiencies if they can’t have fresh food for a few days or even a week or two. Freeze-dried veggies or stocking a cooler with lots of ice packs and your frozen chop would be the best options with the bread second best. Seeds are shelf- stable and would be fine for giving your birds something different to eat especially if they don’t want to eat their pellets, but aren’t really a replacement for fresh food. Praying that you and your birds stay safe