Birds--General/Cockatiel?

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Expert: - 12/15/2007


Question
My cockatiel, is biting under his wing alot, and hes causing it to bleed perfusively, this has been going on for several weeks, we have gaven him a bath and sprayed him with mites medicine, but that hasnt seem to be working, he sits at the bottom of his cage most of the time, the bone under his wing he has chewed very badly, i would really like to know what i should do, and whats causing it

Answer
Hi, Tasha,

I recommend you take your tiel to a certified avian vet for a medical evaluation ASAP.  Bathing him probably only helps clear any blood away, and since parrots are rarely infected with mites (unless they are kept outside), the mite spray also will not work.  There is something going on that requires avian vet assistance.  When a parrot goes to the cage bottom and sits, something is very wrong.  I cannot be of much help in this case because I cannot actually see the bird's behavior and the area involved.

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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