Birds--General/Beak problem

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Expert: - 11/23/2006


Question
My bird was playing on the floor and attacking his toy.  I noticed blood everywhere all of a sudden.  He had broken off part of his beak.  it's stopped now and I've kept him quiet in his cage all day.  Is there anything else I can do? I've given no food today, just water.

Answer
Hi, Lisa.  Thanks for posting!

Your bird needs to be seen by an avian veterinarian.  Not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet that is certified in treating birds.  There is a vein that runs through the beak of a bird and it's obvious your keet has hit this vein.  Birds can loose a lot of their blood supply if this vein is compromised.  Also, a broken beak can affect the bird's ability to eat and drink, which can be a very serious situation for a parrot.  S/he needs to be seen by a birdie vet ASAP.  In the meantime, keep your bird warm, quiet, calm.

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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