|
|
|
Depending on your experience and comfort with
handling your bird, these events can often be
managed by the owner at home. If the desired results
are not achieved right away, please call your avian
veterinarian for guidance. |
|
|
|
Broken Blood Feather |
Bleeding from broken blood
feathers can often be controlled by applying
cornstarch or flour and gentle direct pressure to
the damaged area of the feather. If bleeding
persists despite this, the feather may need to be
removed. Grasp the feather close to the base with
forceps and pull with a steady, even pressure in the
direction of the feather growth. Apply direct
pressure to the open follicle for a few minutes
after feather removal.
- Calmly restrain the
bird.
- Locate the broken
feather and determine where the damage is.
- Tail and wing feathers
can be more difficult to manage than pin and
contour feathers. Support the tail or wing
steadily as you work on the bird to prevent
flapping. Wing feathers grow out of the bone, so
it is particularly important to keep the wing
stable.
- Clotting agents like
Clotisol and surgical glue are also excellent for
control of minor bleeding. They are handy items to
include in your avian first aid kit.
- Do not apply caustic
agents like Quik Stop, silver nitrate or Ferric
Sulfate to the skin, feathers or follicle. Use of
these products on the tissues can cause chemical
burns and contribute to the formation of feather
cysts
- Place your bird in a
quiet area to rest after such an event and observe
him carefully afterward for any additional
problems.
If you are unsure about
handling this yourself or cannot get the bleeding
stopped in a reasonable amount of time, then place
sterile gauze over the effected area, apply direct
pressure and bring your bird immediately to your
avian vet. Some underlying health conditions can
effect the normal clotting of the blood. When in
doubt, call your vet. |
|
|
|
Bleeding from Broken Nail or Beak |
|
Bleeding from a toenail that
is cut too short or has been damaged in an accident
can be stopped by packing the broken end with
cornstarch, flour or by rubbing it across a bar of
soap. Quick Stop or a similar product can also be
used, but take care not to get it on the bird's
skin. The tip of the
bird's beak can be damaged by a fall or other
accident. Packing the broken tip of the beak with
cornstarch or flour and applying direct pressure can
stop any bleeding. Clotting agents like Clotisol are
also very effective. Do not use caustic products
like Quick Stop or Ferric Sulfate in this area due
to the danger of burning sensitive mouth tissues.
Impact from a blow to the
beak can often cause tiny cracks that are difficult
to visualize without magnification. These may cause
continued bleeding or discomfort that will prevent
the bird from eating.
- Calmly restrain the
bird, clean off the blood and access the injury.
- Apply the appropriate
product to the bleeding nail or beak along with
gentle direct pressure.
- When the bleeding is
stopped, place the bird in a quiet area to rest
and him observe carefully for any additional
problems.
If you are unsure about
handling this yourself or cannot get the bleeding
stopped in a reasonable amount of time, then place
sterile gauze over the effected area, apply direct
pressure and take your bird immediately to your
avian vet. Some underlying health conditions can
effect the normal clotting of the blood. When in
doubt, call your vet. |
|
|
|
Overheating |
Overheating can be brought on
by extreme temperatures from excessive supplemental
heat (such as a heating pad set too high), no shade
or shelter from the sun, and enclosure in a vehicle
or container without air circulation. The symptoms
are open mouthed breathing (panting) and the wings
held well away from the body. This is the bird
attempting to cool himself down.
- Bathe the bird's feet
and legs in cool water.
- Mist his feathers down
with cool water until he is wet to the skin.
- Place the bird in a
quiet, cooler area, watch for further problems and
call your avian veterinarian to see if they
recommend further treatment.
- Some conditions, such as
obesity, can cause a bird to pant and have
difficulty cooling themselves off. See your avian
vet for an evaluation to ensure your bird is
maintaining the proper weight for its age, size
and species.
|
|
Oil on the Feathers |
- Contamination of oil on
the feathers of birds is a serious problem for
them. Oily feathers are no longer able to insulate
the bird from heat and cold, plus the bird will
ingest oil in an effort to clean it off, causing
possible toxic reactions. Oily substances like
household oil and greasy medications need to be
cleaned off the feathers immediately.
- Prepare a warm,
supportive environment (85-90°F) for the bird.
- To clean off light oil,
use a light solution of Dawn dishwashing detergent
and water. Use tepid water. To clean off heavy
oil, you must first dilute it with light oil, then
wash with the detergent solution.
- Rinse well in tepid
water.
- Wrap the bird
immediately in an absorbent towel and blot dry.
You can further dry the bird using a blow dryer
set on low.
- Place the bird into the
warm, supportive environment and call your avian
veterinarian for further guidance.
|
|
Top |
|
|
|
