Blood feather incident last night

[Abby]

After 30 years of having birds I had my first blood feather incident last night. My oldest son informed me that his galah Arora had been bleeding over her wings. Had a look at her and yep, blood feather. Hubby is away at the moment and I knew Jordan wasn't going to be able to restrain her properly. Having never had to pull one I wasn't 100% sure or comfortable with the procedure.

I rang a friend who does have more practical knowledge in this area who came straight over to help. While I was waiting I found all my first aid stuff that was needed. Long nose pliers, sterile water, liquid betadine and swabs.

I restrained he pulled it out then washed the area, applied betadine and held the gauze to make sure all was good. Thank goodness for having someone fairly close. Arora is her normal self this morning, just needs a bit of a clean up. Wanted to just let her rest last night.

What this has highlighted to em is the importance of having a stocked first aid kit. The betadine actually hits it's expiry date next month and this was the first time I've opened it (note to self, buy more betadine). By having everything on hand it made the whole job so much easier. I'm going to teach my oldest son and husband how to restrain now so if we ever have another issue similar to this I know they can do it.

[expressmailtome]

I am glad that everything worked out!

Matt

[becca623]

Teaching them how to hold is a great idea. I haven't had to pull a blood feather yet....knock on wood but I'm sure someday I will. It's nice that you have a friend near you who is knowledgeable in birds.

[Ashling]

Kudos to your son for spotting that and well done fixing up Arora :) I had only kept birds for about 6 years when I had my first blood feather on my tiel Indi. More recently Topaz had one and the feather was too small and awkward to pluck even with tweezers! I stopped the bleeding and she was ok. I have never had to actually pull one.