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Birds--General/Aftermath of a Vet Visit.
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Question
Hi,
I recently took my cockatiel to the vet to have her wings and nails clipped. I did the research and was reassured by the vet that it was a simple process. Unfortunately the Vet took too many feathers and left my birds blood feathers exposed. She was experimenting with her "new wings" and damaged a blood feather so I was forced to take her back in to get it pulled.
Since this incident she has become more withdrawn, seems scared to leave her cage and is no longer affectionate with me. Is there anything I can do to comfort her and get back to where we were before.
Hi, Allison,
I picked up your question from the question pool this morning.
Trimming flight feathers is a simple task. Was the vet a certified avian vet? Blood feathers are growing feathers that still have a blood supply to them. If blood feathers were "exposed," they would most likely have bled until pulled out.
An incident like this can be a stressful and frightening experience for a parrot. Just the ride to the vet in a vehicle can really scare them. As a result, a bird might take some time to get over the stress of the incident, not to mention having to get used to clipped flight feathers, particularly if the event was traumatic in and of itself. Give your bird some time and space, interact with her as much as she will accept, but don't push to much. She'll come around in time.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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