Birdie Blood

[Anita1250]

Sam fell off his cage this morning. About an hour later, I noticed blood in his cage and some on the floor. It is not in his poop, and he is acting normally. Also, it is now gone. Our vet opens in 30 minutes, so I will call him as soon as I can. I think he may have broken a feather when he fell, because he has many pin feathers and other growing feathers in his tail area. Any thoughts?

 

[chris-md]

Hello Anita

I’m so sorry, I know this must be scary for you.

It’s hard to have thoughts without examining the bird first hand. maybe he broke a blood feather, maybe he scraped some skin. Does he have blood on him? Will he let you examine him?

 

[Anita1250]

Yes, I examined him. There was a little blood on one feather shaft. He has pooped several times, and there is no blood anywhere. It seems to have been two to three drops all together. None for the last hour.

 

[chris-md]

That’s a relief. If he broke a blood feather he’d still be bleeding.

Since there is no wet blood anywhere, personally I don’t think a vet visit is warranted. Not for a one time fall in the cage. Sounds like whatever the issue was, it’s over and done with. But of course by tall means take him if it will give you piece of mind.

 

[Anita1250]

I spoke to my CAV. He is not too concerned either. He said just keep an eye on him for any more bleeding. This is the first time in 37 years he has had a mishap that had blood involved. A little disconcerting!

 

[noodles123]

Yeah- the feather will sometimes clot and stop on it's own. You want to make sure that he doesn't bump it though, or it could (in theory) start again.

 

[Anita1250]

Try to get him to stop hanging upside down and attacking his bells! Right now he is napping. I will keep my eyes on him at least until tomorrow.