Blood feather ripped out!

[twentyjunious]

Okay so just a moment a go, our green-cheeked conure (we've only had her a few months so her flight-feathers aren't re-grown yet) fell off the top of her cage onto the floor. We went over to see if she was okay and found this blood feather on the ground completely ripped out, (see attachment).

I've seen a lot about broken blood feathers, but nothing about blood feathers being ripped out completely. It is late here, so we will probably take her to the vet first thing tomorrow if need be, but I wanted to check with people to see if such a thing was more urgent, or if anyone had any advice. She doesn't seem to be bleeding, but she also seems reluctant to let us touch anywhere near the area that the feather came from. Thank you in advance!

 

[twentyjunious]

P.S. It does appear to be ripped out at the base

 

[Kentuckienne]

P.S. It does appear top be ripped out at the base

I think you are probably OK. The danger with blood feathers is when they break. the the blood pours out the shaft and the bird can bleed to death. When that happens you have to pull the shaft of the bleeding feather out at once to stop the bleeding. This is why to keep pliers in the first aid kit for birds! Since the feather is already out, if it's not bleeding you will be ok. Someone more knowledgable might say different, I just wanted to get something to you right away so you don't panic.

 

[twentyjunious]

Ah thank you! That's certainly put us more at ease. It sounds like if pulling whole feathers out can be an antidote to bleeding then she will okay, as that's essentially what has happened. We've been keeping an eye on her and there doesn't seem to be any more blood. Thanks for quick reply!

 

[Kentuckienne]

Thanks for getting online so fast to seek help. Never hesitate to ask anything, people here are wonderfully supportive and there's almost always someone online somewhere. The parrot health forum is full of informative posts, good to read up before something happens. Because something will always happen.

 

[SilverSage]

Good job seeking help when you aren't sure!

With blood feathers the treatment for a broken one is actually to pull it, because that typically stops the bleeding. If it were broken you would need to take action, but you are right that this one appears cleanly plucked in which case unless you notice bleeding or other issues, you are fine and don't need a vet visit

Wow, that is probably the first time on this forum I have told someone they DONT need to rush to the vet! Haha!


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[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, thanks for joining! I'm sorry your first post was a potential medical emergency, but it seems your GCC will be just fine! Always best to ask if uncertain. Here's a link to some basic emergency/first aid concepts: http://www.parrotforums.com/general...species-precautions-emergency-procedures.html

 

[twentyjunious]

Thanks so much everyone, our little one seems all good this morning so I think all is well.

Here she is, preparing to launch that fork onto the ground: