Indian Ringneck Parrot bleeding from his cheek (right side of his face). Vet said nothing's wrong.

[IRN2013]

This has been going on for a month now. I already took him to a vet (animal clinic) a week a go and they said there was nothing wrong with him (at the time he didn't have stained red/orange feathers on his face). That one visit cost me $94.

But here he is, bleeding from his cheek again:

https://imgur.com/a/OmW80mo

Hopefully you can see some stained red/orange feathers in his face. Is this normal? I've never had this happen to him before and he's 10 years old now.

I don't know what's wrong with him and I don't know what to do.

 

[LaManuka]

This has been going on for a month now. I already took him to a vet (animal clinic) a week a go and they said there was nothing wrong with him (at the time he didn't have stained red/orange feathers on his face). That one visit cost me $94.

But here he is, bleeding from his cheek again:

https://imgur.com/a/OmW80mo

Hopefully you can see some stained red/orange feathers in his face. Is this normal? I've never had this happen to him before and he's 10 years old now.

I don't know what's wrong with him and I don't know what to do.

I was going to suggest your IRN may have a bunch of new "blood feathers" growing through on his face after a molt, and that he may have broken some by scratching at them, but as the situation has been going on for a month then this is perhaps less likely. Or there may be some kind of wound/injury/abscess under the feathers that he keeps scratching at as it's irritating him. Was the vet you visited an avian specialist? If not, then the link below may help you to locate one near you, or if they WERE an avian vet then perhaps you may like to try a different one ...

Avian Vet Resources

After a suggestion by a member, @Abu Colo, the Mod Team decided to create a list of veterinarians around the world who see birds. This was something we had discussed a few years ago, but the task seemed so large that we didn't get very far. However, the need is there and we decided that the time...

www.parrotforums.com

Welcome to the forums, @IRN2013, I hope someone here can be of assistance to you even if I can't! 🙏

 

[IRN2013]

I was going to suggest your IRN may have a bunch of new "blood feathers" growing through on his face after a molt, and that he may have broken some by scratching at them, but as the situation has been going on for a month then this is perhaps less likely.

When I was there I asked the doctor/vet if they were blood feathers and he dismissed it. I assumed they must have some expertise with birds because they showed me two macaws they were caring for.

Or there may be some kind of wound/injury/abscess under the feathers that he keeps scratching at as it's irritating him. Was the vet you visited an avian specialist? If not, then the link below may help you to locate one near you, or if they WERE an avian vet then perhaps you may like to try a different one ...

According to their clinic/hospital statement they "care for all types of birds and parrots".

Also, I'm not sure if it's relevant, but I noticed that he's only bleed after he's been given a shower/bath. The day before yesterday we gave him a bath and then yesterday evening we noticed his blood stained feathers.

We're getting worried now because this has been happening on and off for a month now.

Avian Vet Resources

After a suggestion by a member, @Abu Colo, the Mod Team decided to create a list of veterinarians around the world who see birds. This was something we had discussed a few years ago, but the task seemed so large that we didn't get very far. However, the need is there and we decided that the time...

www.parrotforums.com

Welcome to the forums, @IRN2013, I hope someone here can be of assistance to you even if I can't! 🙏

Thank you.

 

[LaManuka]

When I was there I asked the doctor/vet if they were blood feathers and he dismissed it. I assumed they must have some expertise with birds because they showed me two macaws they were caring for.



According to their clinic/hospital statement they "care for all types of birds and parrots".

Also, I'm not sure if it's relevant, but I noticed that he's only bleed after he's been given a shower/bath. The day before yesterday we gave him a bath and then yesterday evening we noticed his blood stained feathers.

We're getting worried now because this has been happening on and off for a month now.


Thank you.

I'm so sorry the vet wasn't able to pinpoint the problem for you. Have you noticed birdie scratching at the area, which may indicate something's bothering him? Oh and what's his name by the way?! It's really hard to tell what might be going on, maybe it is a blood feather or two that he's scratched at, or even scratched out, and they keep regrowing and he keeps scratching at them because of some kind of ongoing skin irritation? Did the vet carry out any kind of testing of his skin to determine what the problem might be? I've been VERY spoiled these last 30 years or so by having access to an amazing avian vet, (who has just retired, CRY!!!!!) but I'm pretty sure he'd have conducted a much more thorough examination and given me a better idea of what was going on if this was one of mine. If there is irritation, you could try applying aloe vera juice from a fresh cut leaf, and if you don't have a plant it's worth trying to get one because they are very handy for all sorts skin issues for both birds and people! It has anti-bacterial properties and also may help to calm the irritation that is causing him to continually worry at that spot if that's what he's doing. But in the meantime perhaps it might be time to find a different vet for a second opinion.

 

[LoveMyFids]

Is it possible that he is getting this from a toy he is playing with, long nails when he tries to scratch his face, putting his beak through the bars of the cage & rubbing? Sometimes this is the case with reoccurring wounds & we don't always see what it is they are doing that's causing it. Face in a bell or a foraging toy where the cheek is getting rubbed? A helpful trick to try to figure out the mystery is to get a nanny cam & observe what he does during the day. If you're away at work, you'll have to do it on days off, but it's def. a good thing to get. I got one for my birdroom when they're not out, so I can see what they're up to in there. You'd be surprised at all the mischief they can do-I had no idea! Haha. They aren't that expensive on Amazon-you can probably get one for $40. At any rate, it's a good tool so you can identify IF it's a specific toy or something, so that you can remove it. I'd also examine everything in his cage to see if there is dried blood anywhere on something-which could be the culprit. Check his nails too obviously-keep them clipped & smooth.

 

[IRN2013]

I'm so sorry the vet wasn't able to pinpoint the problem for you. Have you noticed birdie scratching at the area, which may indicate something's bothering him? Oh and what's his name by the way?! It's really hard to tell what might be going on, maybe it is a blood feather or two that he's scratched at, or even scratched out, and they keep regrowing and he keeps scratching at them because of some kind of ongoing skin irritation? Did the vet carry out any kind of testing of his skin to determine what the problem might be? I've been VERY spoiled these last 30 years or so by having access to an amazing avian vet, (who has just retired, CRY!!!!!) but I'm pretty sure he'd have conducted a much more thorough examination and given me a better idea of what was going on if this was one of mine. If there is irritation, you could try applying aloe vera juice from a fresh cut leaf, and if you don't have a plant it's worth trying to get one because they are very handy for all sorts skin issues for both birds and people! It has anti-bacterial properties and also may help to calm the irritation that is causing him to continually worry at that spot if that's what he's doing. But in the meantime perhaps it might be time to find a different vet for a second opinion.

Okay, I've been doing some research online and I think they are broken or bent feathers. From what I'm reading, broken blood feathers on face are too small to bleed out. So I'm somewhat relieved, however I'm not sure if I should grab him and pull the feather(s) out.

His name is Mithu BTW (his previous owners named him), which means "sweet" in my language.

And no, not at all. He's doesn't seem distressed and he's not scratching his cheeks either. He seems as active and happy as he always is.

The vet did grab him and glanced at the area and he might have tried to poke the area with his finger but I can't exactly recall if he did (its difficult because Mithu was trying to free himself the whole time by going at his fingers).

We asked him if we should apply an OTC ointment like Neosporin and we were advised against it.

Anyway, I am going to wait until tomorrow, and if he seems worse I'll grab him (he doesn't let anyone hold him) and inspect the area myself, maybe see if the (damaged) feather(s) come off easy and apply some aloe vera. If his condition has worsened then I'll take him back to the vet or find another one.
I'll keep this thread updated.

 

[wrench13]

Me, I would seek out a real Certified Avian Vet (CAV). After all, in your general area ( NYC ) there are a wide selection of available Vets; mine is located out on Long Island, a bit far for you maybe, but a good CAV is worth every minute of extra travel time.

FYI, no one on here is a CAV or even a aide at a practice, so take medical advice with that in mind. Lots of experience but no official degree. Good advice but keep that in mind.