My bird is picking at dried blood

[Lovi83749]

This is my first time on this forum. My two lovebirds live in the same cage. It is a big cage so usually they have enough room to separate if they get in a fight. A couple days ago my bird’s leg had some blood and I’m guessing they got in a fight. She doesn’t seem like she’s in pain. She can still land on it and walk perfectly fine. She just seems uncomfortable with the dry blood. She keeps picking at it and now there is even more dried blood on her feathers. In the past, when I’ve sprayed water on feathers with dried blood, none of it comes out. I really don’t know what to do. Any advice? Do you think it will heal on its own?

 

[Laurasea]

Welcome to the forum. Can you share pics?

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

What Laura said...pics would be helpful.


Jim

 

[Lovi83749]

I have attached a photo of her leg. It looks like it is raw with some dry blood. I also think that she has removed most of the feathers with blood and left some bald spots around her leg, which aren't visible in the picture.

 

[Scott]

I have no familiarity with lovebirds and their behaviors, but age and sex may give insight into fighting. In my experience, birds who fight often escalate though not suggesting this is the case.

Birds will often pick at scabs or injured feathers. Does the injury appear to be worsening? If so, a visit to avian vet may be needed to properly diagnose and treat.

 

[Lovi83749]

Does the injury appear to be worsening? If so, a visit to avian vet may be needed to properly diagnose and treat.

It doesn't seem like the injury is worsening and I haven't noticed any fresh blood in the past day. Do you think it will heal without any treatment?

 

[Scott]

If the injury continues to heal, all is likely well. Always a risk of infection so watch for swelling and/or discoloration. One of the best diagnostic tools is weighing your bird regularly as many illnesses cause loss of mass. Hard to observe with feathered creatures! A postage or cooking scale calibrated in grams is ideal to help monitor.