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Question
I have a 4 month old keet that has a spot (about 1/4 inch in length) on its abdomen (just below the breast line) where the feathers have been missing for a week or so. This morning my daughter noticed that there was blood coming from this spot. This bird shares a cage with 2 others, but they all seem to get along fine. I don't think it is an injury from the others. Any ideas?
Hi, Dana.
The bird could be picking this spot for some reason. This sounds like the umbilical area...wondering if the umbilicus didn't heal properly. Also, some birds like to pluck feathers from this area because it's easy to reach...bird may have overplucked in this area. Can you examine the area closely with a magnifying glass to see exactly how much damage has been done or why their might be blood (is there an injury of some type, scab)? You may have to separate feathers at this spot in order to see. Could there be blood coming from somewhere else, getting on the bird's beak, and transferring to the chest area? Bird could have injured itself somehow. Could also be a broken blood feather in the area.
Watch this bird closely to see if you can discern what is going on. If blood continues to show, you'll likely need to take this bird to a certified avian veterinarian for an exam. Try to see if you can determine why there's blood.
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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