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One of our breeding blue head pionus has cut the bottom of his foot. gash is about 1/8" to 1/4" wide. I got the bleeding to stop with our bleed stop powder. I put him in a smaller cage and placed him back in his large cage with his mate. One hour later it has started bleeding agian and im about to take him out to try to stop the bleeding. any thoughts on a bandage type. was thinking of making a ball type. any thoughts please.kevin
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Male Pet's Age: 5 Type of Animal: Blue headed pionus Bird Name of Animal: Breeder
-- A bandage will only give him more reason to pick at it. Rather than the 'stop bleed' powder which can cause intestinal problems try regular corn starch. No corn starch, even plain flour should work. You might want to construct a brooder box to keep him calm, safe and warm tonight and no matter what get him seen tomorrow. When a bird injures their feet, well, considering that they are on their feet 24/7, it's a pretty important thing to take care of properly right? --- For a makeshift brooder, use a small box lined with soft clothes like tee shirts.---Use a thick, clean sock and fill it ¾ with plain, raw white rice. Knot the end and microwave it for about 1 ½ minutes. Shake it afterwards to distribute the heat and be sure it's not too hot. Tuck this in just under the cloths.---A heating pad under the box is also helpful, set on low. This is one of the few times I’d ever use both heat sources if necessary to maintain incubation temp (90-105 degrees).--- If ever using an electric source for heating anything in anyway, please be vigilant and constantly double checking carefully.--- Gently drape a light cover over this box to further help hold heat in and keep light low. --- You may offer a few drops of sugar water to the side of their beak with your finger; or a dab of corn syrup, maple syrup or bit of natural jam/jelly to help with blood sugar levels.--- You'll have to monitor him throughout the night and if you can't make this bleeding stop within the next 1/2 hour or so, find an emergency vet. Birds can bleed out and dehydrate very quickly. Good luck!
Experience: Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author
Ok, we did not wrap/bandage it. The bleeding had stopped, we turned the light in the aviary off, he was restless for a few minutes (which is normal) hopefully this did not open it up to bleed again. We have camera's set up on all the birds so we are able to monitor the them. We know he has settled down now. The aviary is kept at a warmer temp. Is there anything elso to do or do you have any suggestions.
It sounds to me like you know what you're doing. Watching him being most important and at the ready to dredge the foot in corn starch or flour as necessary. If he can go an hour or two without bleeding chances are he's clotted. By the way, these are spectacularly beautiful birds - it sounds you're very responsible
Thank you for the tip on the 'stop bleed'. Unless you tell us to, I don't think we will disturb him by turning the lights on to check him again, they typically are perched for the night and are that way until the lights come on in the am. I am afraid it would only upset him causing him to try and climb around and possible open it again. Let me know if you disagree. Yes they are beautiful birds, we have two breeding pair, and a breeding pair of Bolivian Scartlet and Military's. Two pets a Greenwing and very comical Yellownape. We love our feathered friends.
-- If you've got a nightlight option it would be easier to know if he's having any distress. It's worth considering for the future since illness and injuries happen even in the best of circumstances. For right now as long as there hasn't been any bleeding for the last hour or so it's probably best to do what you feel and leave him to rest. It's unusual to find someone interested in the variety of birds you have. I typically find macaw people are strictly macaw people since they're a huge handful! As you can see in the photo, I'm a macaw person (I own a rescue & rehab org for exotic birds). Those Scarlet's you have must be gorgeous. What state are you in?
We are in Missouri, The Scartlets are beautiful, very large, much larger than my pet Greenwing. We got the Pionus because we have two children 13 and 6, who are very intimidated by the Greenwing and the Amazon is a one person bird, tolerates my husband. My 6 year old daughter fell in love with a Blue Headed Pionus at a Avian pet store, and needless to say so did I, I absolutely LOVE their chirp. I will have him looked at tomorrow in case they want to administer an antibiotic and say my prayer for tonight. Thank you for your help tonight.
--It's my pleasure to work with you and to meet you. It's funny how kids (and many adults too) think a smaller bird is a 'nicer' bird. I have a Severe macaw (slightly smaller than your Military) who is the most formidable biter I've ever seen. The blue and golds, the catalina and the greenwings that have been here have all been gentle giants with a much worse bluster and lunge than actual bite. Of course that's all they need - is to scare the 'threat' away. Pretty easy for a big bird with the world's strongest beak just inches away. The little Severe doesn't do much in the way of warning or scaring. If someone is close she fluffs up and strikes like a rattler. For her size it's a 'get 'er done' attitude. Still, got to love 'em! Please check back and let me know how it all goes ok? God bless,