The Panic Last Night

[vistosmommy]

I have no clue where to start, as I am still trying to figure out how it all started.  I guess I should start with, everything is fine or will be fine now. 

Last night Rachel had a friend over and the dogs were a barking quite a bit at her.  once they settled back down I decided I could go back to my nightly routine.  ate my bowl of cereal with Visto, the dog barked once or twice at the girls if they got a little loud as girls do.  Once done with the cereal, Visto went back to his cage where he was playing with his toys.  Austin and Tony were not home yet and Smurfette was reminding me that it was her turn out before bed.  I decided to get her out for him and she and I were sitting on the couch watching TV.  That is when all H broke loose. The boys came home.  the dogs went into a barking fit because the girls came out of rachel's room to bug Austin.  well Smurfette was not happy and flew off my shoulder onto the floor. In the panic that followed I dont know exactly what happened.  I can tell you that the dogs were away from her barking at the girls, Austin was trying to get her off the floor before the dogs saw her, and by the time i could get up off the couch to help, she had lost ALL her tail feathers and alot of "down" feathers. 

Austin put her in her cage and Tony locked the dogs in their crates, just so we could assess the situation.  I called Mi Amore for advice, and grabbed my book.  I took Smurfette back out and sure enough she was bleeding.  One of her blood feathers had broke.  I had read the book before and sort of remembered what it said to do, but skimmed it really quick and then formed a plan with the help of Mi.  The book said to make sure the feather that is broke is out and apply flour to help stop the bleeding.  Well I did just that, I pulled the feather and went for the flour, Mi suggested to make a paste with the flour because it works better.  so I did.  2 minutes later, the bleeding had stopped and Smurfette was calm again.  I put her back in her cage and covered her so she could remain relaxed.  I checked on her several times in the night and all is well.  I will take her today to get checked out to make sure everything is ok.

I am so grateful to Mi for helping me stay calm and to all on the forum because I know any of you would have helped.

[patti3birds]

Oh I was shocked to read, but so Proud of YOU!!!

It sounds as if you and Tony handled things quite well, I would have freaked.

Great Parront!!!   you get dancing Banana's

Keep us posted on what they tell you, I really dont think that their is anything else you can do, is there?

Great Job, still!!

[vistosmommy]

No Patti I think you are right, there doesnt seem to be anything left to do but watch her I guess.  I just want to get her checked out for my peace of mind, although as i sit here thinking, I am not sure a trip in the carrier, in the car is the best for her, as she isnt fond of that much.  I dont want to stress her out more.  What do you think?   

[Sondra]

Nice job on getting the bleeding stopped.
She should be checked out, just to be sure everything is ok. Little bones break very easily and they don't show it, infection at the site of a pulled feather can set in. Just for your peace of mind get her checked.  You did fantastic! 
How on earth did you pull that feather without pliers?

[patti3birds]

I think her staying home with you supervision is best for now. But you must check her under carriage (backend) to make sure she is all ok.

As I said, I saw Diego do the same thing at the store the other day and all he did was sent the girl home, once he got the blood feather out and the bleeding stopped.

You are to be commended for a great job of holding you stresses and handling things correctly. Really- its a big deal.

Although she should be checked out, maybe later today when you get home.

Keep us posted on her progress, ok?

 

[BPMar]

  That was a scary evening!  It's funny how we act during such commotion...round up the dogs, get bird in safe area....talk to yourself during the whole fiasco, get first aide kit....like you are doing at least 5 things at once!  Do you have an emergency vet if you need it during the weekend? or can you call your vet after hours.  Keep a good eye on her and yep, check out all her parts, poops, breathing, feeding and drinking.  Poor Smurf!  Glad everything seems ok!

[steptoe91(tozie)]

oh wow!!! scary!! you did great! and ya even remembered to keep your pants on! lol! <grin>

[Ditty]

Poor Smurfette and Poor momma!  Stress can release all the tail feathers at once. (read that somewhere...hmm where did i read that)  But the broken one...OMG that scares the crap outta me.  I dread the day that happens.  Glad you got all under control!

[Mi Amore]

glad u stayed calm and she is ok.. you are a good mama i am glad u have books to read and have this forum to help you out. i would also suggest u get some kwik stop stop.. it works so much faster then flour and it has stuff for pain in it. i clipped fids nails today and had to use it and boy does it stop bleeding fast. i would watch her the next couple days and take her to the vet monday to make sure nothing is broken.. 

[zimbasmom]

Stress or a shock can make a parrot loose a bunch of feathers at once, I also read that Ditty, but have never seen it happen. I read that a bird will drop the tail feathers in order to escape, for example if something grabbed them they will drop the tail feathers in order to get away from the predator.

One thing I would keep in mind… now that he lost his tail feathers he will be unstable and off balance so be careful and keep a close eye on him. You may consider lowering perches or putting a towel on bottom of cage for cushion in case he falls again.

I understand about vet visits & the stress but I would take him in for a checkup to make sure you got all of the blood feather out and make sure there in no further injuries and the vet may want to put him on some antibiotics as a pre-caution.

[vistosmommy]

She is doing good today, we have let her rest today and as long as everything is ok we are going to continue to let her rest till Monday.  I am going to take her to be checked out then.  I do like the idea of moving the perches and placing the towel on the bottom of the cage.  I will do that in the morning.  She is sleep peacefully in her hut right now.  I plan on checking on her ever hour or so again tonight.  Every time i check on her she comes straight to me like she wants to come out and play but i think that rest and quiet is what she really needs, tomorrow I may let her out for a bit.

[vistosmommy]

here is Smurfette's new "hairdo"



Not a great picture but you should be able to see the lack of tail feathers

[BPMar]

Awww poor Smurf.  At one time Julio had clipped Chico's tail feathers off...he looked pathetic but in time he had a beautiful new tail.  Has it affected her balance or flying at all?

[vistosmommy]

not that i can tell

[Sondra]

Glad she is doing ok.