Should I go to the doctors for a bite?

Arjiope · Oct 11, 2013

I am new to threads and forums, so pardon me! Im not sure if this post is in the right thread..

My cockatiel Niko bit me today because I was trying to put him (or her, gender in unknown) in his cage but he did not want to.

He's a good bird, but when it is time for him to go in his cage he gets fissy. He got my finger and it bled only a little, but I was stupid and didnt disinfect it, so it swelled up a few hours later then died down. There was no pain or redness. Should I go to the doctor since it could be an infection? And how can I put him in his cage without him doing this again?

Mike17 · Oct 11, 2013

I doubt it, Arjiope, if you're around birds you'll be bitten a lot and would end up living at the dr's surgery! Just keep antibiotic lotion on hand. I like the old fashioned Briar's Balsam as it dries and seals the wound. The swelling may have been an allergic reaction from bird's saliva or something on its beak. In future you might want to keep non-drowsy antihistamines handy, too. My wife's arm gets red and briefly swollen just from scratches from claws.

Niko is probably male. I've found that males bite hard, females are much gentler. I could be wrong though

DallyTsuka · Oct 11, 2013

i would just go to the pharmacy and get some antibiotic ointment for it

if it doesnt help with that, then yes, go to the clinic for some antibiotics. but it's unlikely you will have to

i've gotten bit to the bone by our female lovebird and it healed fine with antibiotic ointment.

Betrisher · Oct 11, 2013

I agree with what other posters said, however I'd also recommend making sure you have an up-to-date tetanus shot. It's always a good idea when you're working with and cleaning up after animals.

crimson · Oct 11, 2013

I got a female cockatiel(not tame) not too long ago, I picked her up gently to put her into her cage and she clamped down on my middle finger so hard. she got me in between my cuticle and the side of my finger and would not let go!...I've NEVER encountered a bite like that before from a cockatiel. my finger was swollen for 2 days, then finally got better.
I used antibiotic cream which helped.

MissTaz · Oct 11, 2013

I personally have never gone to the doctor for a bird bite, I would think you should be fine.

Folkeye · Oct 11, 2013

Ice packs are handy too. I've been bitten by my parrotlet pretty good and the budgie got me a few times. Just wash off gentle and well, perhaps use some antibiotic ointment (Neosporin is common and good) and stick some ice on it to help the possible swelling.

Thankfully bird bites aren't as bad in terms of infection as perhaps a dog or cat bite (the worst!). Not that it can't happen, but I don't think they have a reputation for it.

Parro · Oct 11, 2013

I'm not an expert but if your wound doesnt heal/gets worse then get help from the clinic. My female cockatiel bit me once so hard it reached my flesh, and took off part of my skin. The bite was very painful. I had to run around the house 10 times because of the pain. But I think you are fine

Featheredsamurai · Oct 11, 2013

If the wound becomes infected and it doesn't die down for several days then it may be time to see the doctor.

My philosophy is as long as it doesn't need stitches you don't need a hospital unless a significant infection appears and is getting worse.

Birdman666 · Oct 11, 2013

Arjiope said:
I am new to threads and forums, so pardon me! Im not sure if this post is in the right thread..

My cockatiel Niko bit me today because I was trying to put him (or her, gender in unknown) in his cage but he did not want to. He's a good bird, but when it is time for him to go in his cage he gets fissy. He got my finger and it bled only a little, but I was stupid and didnt disinfect it, so it swelled up a few hours later then died down. There was no pain or redness. Should I go to the doctor since it could be an infection? And how can I put him in his cage without him doing this again?

The only time I have ever gone to the doctor's for a bird bite was when I need stitches... (Twice! Both macaws, neither of them mine.)

MikeyTN · Oct 11, 2013

Like it's been said above, just clean the wound. I would usually squeeze it first IF your bird did break the skin, squeeze it to get some infection or blood out then cleanse it with peroxide then use some anti-biotic cream. You'll be fine, I've been bitten countless times.

Arjiope · Oct 22, 2013

Thank you everyone for the replies! I didnt expect to get so many. You were all very helpful! Thank goodness because it is all healed and there is no infection.

Should I go to the doctors for a bite?

Arjiope

New member

Mike17

New member

DallyTsuka

New member

Betrisher

Well-known member

crimson

New member

MissTaz

New member

Folkeye

New member

Parro

New member

Featheredsamurai

New member

Birdman666

Well-known member

MikeyTN

New member

Arjiope

New member

Age these please

Bff

Most Reactions

Similar threads

Latest posts