Tail feather bleeding

[KentNick]

I've just got home from work and Ollie has blood coming from the base of one of his tail feathers?? What should I do?

 

[JerseyWendy]

Can you determine if he's lost a good amount of blood already? (Look around on the bottom of the cage) If Ollie broke a newly emerging feathershaft, you may have to apply some cornstarch to the area if the bleeding doesn't stop on its own, however, IME healthy birds stop bleeding all on their own after only a short amount of time, especially when kept calm and quiet.

 

[KentNick]

Yeah he's lost quite a bit already by the looks of it, I'm not too sure if it's stopped yet I'm going to clean up all the blood and keep a close eye on it for the next hour. I've just been reading up about blood feathers and I'm not 100% confident to pull it out myself

 

[KentNick]

Just checked and it's still bleeding

 

[JerseyWendy]

Before pulling it, I'd suggest trying some corn starch. Apply it liberally, and apply some pressure for a little while.

If that fails, as a last resort I'd pull it. Please know though that pulling it will require a bit of strength...and a good set of nerves.

 

[JerseyWendy]

For more information on pulling a blood feather:
Pulling a Blood Feather: Instructions for pulling a blood feather

 

[KentNick]

Ok I'll try the cornstarch (well cornflour here in the UK) and see how it goes and if it all fails I'll have to get the courage and muscles together to pull it

 

[Taw5106]

I had a tiel and came home one day to a blood bath, same situation as you, a blood feather. I panicked and took her to the vet because I knew nothing about what to do. They pulled it and put the cone of shame around her neck to wear for 2 days. I hope you get it pulled, I understand not wanting to do it. Keep us posted.

 

[KentNick]

I've applied cornstarch on it tonight, it's still bleeding but slowed down. I called my vet and they said to call in the morning if it's still bleeding and not to attempt to pull it out as I could make it worse. It's his bed time now so I've covered him over for the night so hopefully he won't knock it and make it worse. I'll keep you updated

 

[JerseyWendy]

I'm glad you called the vet, Nick! Have a good night, and here's to hoping that when you wake up, everything is all right with your Ollie!!

 

[Anansi]

Any update?