Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 9/9/2007

Question
We bought a parakeet about 1 week ago.  Today my 8 year old came to me hysterical because our new friend had "a whole in his chest".  I inspected the bird and found he has a black mark which looks similar to a scab.  He seems to be acting normally (as normal as he has since we brought him home - he's a little skittish, but has been since day 1).  We have let him out to explore, but only in a controlled, safe environment and his wings were cut by the pet store so he can't get too out of control anyway.  Could this be an injury or something else to worry about?

Answer
Hi, Kendra,

I'd immediately question the pet store about it.  Yes, it's obviously an injury of some sort because any other explanation I can think of would have resulted in this bird dying long ago.  I'd really recommend investigating this further to determine for sure whether it's a scab or something else.  Look through a magnifying glass if possible to discern a scab from other.  Keets can get injured on things in their cage, some pick at themselves in this area, etc.  If this bird has free-flight, it's very possible it got hurt on something, but it seems like you would have noticed some blood or something.  This is why I'm wondering if it could have been there when you bought the bird??  Look closely in the cage and where the bird roams to see if you can find any blood to explain this.  You may want to consider taking the bird to a certified avian vet for an examination.  However, if the bird is acting normally and this is indeed a scab upon further investigation, I would just watch the area to ensure it heals properly.  I'd definitely be sure to contact the place where you purchased the bird if nothing else to have record of this in case something happens to the bird as a result.

Chrys