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Post by jasmine on Nov 25, 2013 22:15:40 GMT
Mike and I were just playing with Puck and Poe and we realized that they both have blood feathers. Should we do anything? if so what? should we be freaking out? and shuld i call the vets and make two baby bird appointments?
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Post by Emily on Nov 25, 2013 22:22:39 GMT
I'm a bit confused. Blood feathers or pin feathers are just new feathers growing in. Don't pull them or that can result in huge blood loss.  I massage the pin feathers on my cockatiel very gently to get the capped white part off. If Puck or Poe let's you, you could try that. |
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Post by dianapalmer on Nov 25, 2013 22:40:42 GMT
I am curious: What does a blood feather look like?
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Post by jasmine on Nov 25, 2013 23:45:58 GMT
So... they are having none of the pictures tonight.... i actually think they laughed at me for a bit..... but! i was looking online for something that looks exactly like what they have and this is what i have found to give an illustration of what i am seeing under their wings. (i know it's not ideal.... but i dont like using force to take Puck and or Poe out of the cage.... unless for dire circumstances.)  |
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Post by Sarah on Nov 26, 2013 0:03:22 GMT
Nothing to worry about. These are just feathers with arterial blood supply to help them grow. This is normal for all the larger feathers.
To make sure the feathers grow in properly, offer misting to your birds from time to time and try to limit their physical activity. Although normal, blood feathers are delicate and vulnerable to injury. If one is broken, the bird will bleed profusely, so it is important to keep them calm and quiet for a time.
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Post by dianapalmer on Nov 26, 2013 0:03:35 GMT
Hi, Jasmine
Thank you for posting the picture. It's SO interesting to see.
I don't know much about this particular aspect of budgies. I have heard references to blood feathers and have read that you must be careful not to cut them, as it can lead to excessive bleeding. But, I have never seen one before. I have been curious how you tell a blood feather from a regular feather.
Some more experienced members may have other comments on the photo.
I totally agree with not forcing budgies out of the cage unless it is an emergency.
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Post by jasmine on Nov 26, 2013 0:34:46 GMT
Thanks you guys I remembered reading that it would be fine.... but thats when your reading something... seeing it on your birds is a different thing entirely.... I'll try and keep their activity low in the mini flock
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Post by rdkntriker on Nov 26, 2013 1:08:05 GMT
I am learning so much from every ones questions
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Post by Pammy on Nov 26, 2013 2:48:31 GMT
Yeah, me too, Santa. Thanks for sharing this, Jasmine. I have not yet seen anything like that on either of my boys.
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Post by luvsanimals2 on Nov 26, 2013 5:07:39 GMT
now, if a blood feather does break. its best to pull it out, as close to the skin as u can
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Post by Pammy on Nov 26, 2013 5:27:01 GMT
Oh boy, I can't imagine having to pull one out, Luvs! I sure hope I never have to!
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Post by Sarah on Nov 26, 2013 13:58:34 GMT
Pulling out a broken blood feather is a harrowing experience, but it can save your bird's life.
In the event that someone does have to pull out such a feather, there are some important things to know. First, you should grasp the feather near the bottom with a pair of tweezers or a specialized veterinary tool. Do not twist the feather around or move it from side to side. This will increase damage. Pull back slowly and smoothly on the feather, increasing the pressure fraction by fraction until it gives way and comes out cleanly and whole. The last thing you want to do is break it at the bottom, because your bird will then have to be rushed to a vet for a surgical procedure and may suffer catastrophic blood loss in the time it takes you to travel there.
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Post by lisamarie on Nov 26, 2013 15:53:26 GMT
After Lucy had the night fright I posted about, she had one similar sticking out of her tail but it wasn't anything serious and it fell out on it's own without bleeding
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Post by Perla MV on Nov 26, 2013 20:58:11 GMT
This is a very important thing to know! Thank you all for the contributions, I hope my babies never get those or at least that they don't need to get them removed, it must be painful |
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Post by jasmine on Nov 29, 2013 2:13:14 GMT
UPDATE:
all is well on the home front... they both still have them but seam to be doing a-okay.
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I massage the pin feathers on my cockatiel very gently to get the capped white part off. If Puck or Poe let's you, you could try that. 
