A Broken Blood Feather

Spiritbird · Jun 15, 2011

This past Saturday night Rosie was flapping her wings as usual and I noticed a long flight feather hanging from her left wing. She screamed when I attempted to touch it or her. She then went under her wing with beak and tried to make it feel better I guess and it was then that I noticed a bloody beak. OH my here it is a weekend night (of course).
I got in the car with her and drove about 45 min. to an emergency hospital for animals of all kinds. One vet on duty and parking lot full. Then right after I arrived another couple brought in a 27 yr. old CAG. They suspected she had an egg bound. Vet said she hardly every saw a grey brought in and here she was with 2 of them.

I was so lucky because Rosie's broken feather clotted off on the way and blood loss was minimal. Whew!!

It is diffiicult to take care of an emergency like this when you are the only person with the bird. She was so scared I could not even get her in a towel.

She is of course fine now.

merlinsmom13 · Jun 15, 2011

Poor Rosie, did they remove the feather? I didn't know about this problem, is it something that always requires vet attention? I hope she is feeling better.

Spiritbird · Jun 15, 2011

Oh I forgot, yes the vet pulled out the feather. We should all be educated about this potential emergency. The treatment is to first stop the bleeding with a hemostat and then pull the feather straight out. It does not require a vet visit if you have two prepared people and a bird emergency kit. I happens more with a molt and I read that birds will naturally be more quiet and not want to use wings too much but Rosie did not read the book.

nofearengineer · Jun 15, 2011

SB,

Gandalf broke a couple of blood feathers over the years. Now me, not really knowing it was a huge thing at the time...I just quietly observed. He seemed to instinctively know what to do. He would of course, squawk and complain, but he would eventually just grab it, and give it a tug. It would pop out with another squawk from him, but within a minute, there would be no more bleeding, and he'd seem no worse for the wear.

Of course, if Bitty did that now, I'd probably rush her to the parrot E.R., but I suppose things have changed.

MikeyTN · Jun 16, 2011

Best thing to do is just to yank it like the vet did. I've done that plenty of time throughout the years. Another thing is if you don't have blood stopper at home, use your common house hold corn starch or flour, use lots of it, it will stop the bleeding.

At least Rosie is safe now!!!!

xreinx · Jun 16, 2011

you have to be gentle when pulling a feather. the bird vet here says seal the end with super glue and a bit of tissue paper if the bird dosent pull it out first, and eventually the bird will pull it out itself, they know more how to do it then we do, and that way theres less chance of their feather follicle being damaged.

I was into Falconry a while back, I nearly got my hawk, but had to move and lost my chance. they cover everything about health and stress how bad a broken blood feather can be, a bird Emergancy or Imping kit has superglue in it, and though they dont require the kit, its still recommended.

Spiritbird · Jun 16, 2011

I know what is supposed to be done but it is very difficult to pull a feather out of a screaming bird. I have no neighborsf who would volunteer for this job.

nofearengineer · Jun 16, 2011

Spiritbird said:
I know what is supposed to be done but it is very difficult to pull a feather out of a screaming bird. I have no neighborsf who would volunteer for this job.

LOL...I agree...why do you think I just watched?!

I'm sure you're very familiar with the "cranky Grey noise," where they're fussing about something. Poking and prodding under those conditions is sure to get you a nip or two.

suebee · Jun 16, 2011

awww so glad rosie is ok! and you are lucky to have an emergency vet by you, poor rosie, give her a head rub from me

Conurekidd · Jun 16, 2011

This happen to Sam. I took him to the vet and he fixed him right up. After he tells me not to come off a broken pin or feather. This happens so often in the wild. They hadel it thereselves. He said stop the bleeding first. And let him Handel it. It did pull the feather out. But said let him next time do. Less stessful.
Also iv never heard of "super gluing" the hole shut. A pin has to grow through that.

xreinx · Jun 16, 2011

not the hole in the skin, the pinfeather that is broken, a lot of people pull them out, but sometimes that rips the skin and makes the feather grow in funny or damaged. also, if a pinfeather is broken, I doubt any feather will grow until its pulled out, I ran into that with my chickens that were attacked by dogs.

LoveMauiGus · Jun 16, 2011

Do you have a bird first aid kit? I was thinking about purchasing one in case the same thing happened in our house. They normally have forceps. However, I think you were out of luck either way because you were alone. I'm glad it all worked out

Spiritbird · Jun 16, 2011

I do have a first aide kit but I guess it was not much good for this incident. It had everything I needed and I also have the organic corn starch or baking soda to use just in case. Here are the instructions from my bird first aide kit: (I add seek the assistance of another person to help you)

1. Locate the feather of the broken or damaged quill that is bleeding.

2. Apply the locking forceps on to the feather at the base.

3. Pull the feather in the direction of feather growth

4. If the area continues to bleed after the feather is pulled, apply the styptic powder. Gentle pressue at the site may be all that is needed.

This kit I have has a wonderful little booklet with directions for dealing with several bird emergencies. I purchased it at Dr.Foster/Smith. About $22. but you can make up your own kit.

http://www.ehow.com/how_4443724_treat-broken-blood-feather.html

vedwed · Jun 16, 2011

Glad Rosie is ok!
Thanks for the recommendation on a kit, I have been looking for a good one

MikeyTN · Jun 16, 2011

Spiritbird said:
I know what is supposed to be done but it is very difficult to pull a feather out of a screaming bird. I have no neighborsf who would volunteer for this job.

No one would volunteer here either. I've done this to my macaw, not very easy to do. Ifs not life threatening feathers I wait until he goes into the vet and let them do it.

Conurekidd · Jun 16, 2011

I have that exact kit from dr fosters and smith haha. Great kit.
Perfact for emergencies.

A Broken Blood Feather

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Here's my baby birdie - will be updated with more pics.

One person parrot.

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