Bird Bleeding
- The blood volume of a bird is relatively small, the average being 9ml (approximately 2 teaspoons) per 100g (3.5oz) body weight. A budgerigar weighing 30g (1oz)would have a total blood volume of about 3m1(approximately 1/2 teaspoon).
- Injured birds are not prone to bleeding profusely. Birds have a very efficient blood-clotting mechanism. As their blood volume is relatively small, they cannot afford to lose any significant amount. Twelve drops of blood would represent approximately 20 percent of Budgerigar’s total blood volume.
- Birds bleed more freely from a broken or cut nail, or the beak, than from a skin wound.
- Movement accelerates bleeding. Keep the bird still. Ideally, one person immobilizes the bird while another person controls the bleeding.
Bird Beak Bleeding
- Immobilize the bird.
- Using a cotton bud (swab), apply pressure to the site for approximately one minute. If not available, apply pressure with your finger, preferably a gauze pad. Take care not to be bitten.
- If available, dip a cotton bud (swab) into liquid ferric chloride, and then apply it to the site of bleeding with pressure for 30 seconds.
- Do not have excess ferric chloride on the cotton bud (swab), because any drips into the bird’s mouth may burn the delicate mucous membrane.
Bird Nail Bleeding
- Immobilize the bird.
- Apply pressure to the point of bleeding with your fingertip or a cotton bud (swab) for approximately one minute.
- If available, dip a cotton bud (swab) into liquid ferric chloride, then apply it to the point of bleeding with pressure for about 30 seconds.
Bleeding Quill
- A growing feather has a blood vessel running up the shaft. Injury to the growing quill may result in excessive bleeding.
- Immobilize the bird.
- Locate the damaged quill.
- Using a pair of tweezers (forceps) grasp the base of the quill tightly and quickly plucks it out.
Bird Wound
- Skin wounds usually do not bleed freely.
- Immobilize the bird.
- Apply pressure with your fingertip for one minute, or longer if necessary. Or use a clean wad of cloth if available.
See more: Bird Elizabethan Collar
1 thought on “Bird Bleeding”