One of my budgies began having droppings with red (not black) blood in his droppings yesterday afternoon. He seemed quite happy though and was still eating. I removed him from his cage mate and placed him in a quiet place at a temp of approx. 85 degrees. This morning, the blood seems to have subsided and he is chirping and eating (millet). None of my other birds (10) have shown any signs of a problem and are behaving normally. Here is the question, well questions - any thoughts on what it could be and should I still take him to the vet. I only hesitate because he is quite a shy bird and I worry about stressing him if it is not necessary. Thoughts?

Edited October 25, 200816 yr by Neat

I think you need answers...important and informed answers. A good avian vet can set your mind at ease. I think its a MUST in this case.

yeah... anytime there is blood in the poo I'd be heading to the vet... better safe than sorry, you don't wanna put him back and then see all 10 with the same simptoms...

yeah... anytime there is blood in the poo I'd be heading to the vet... better safe than sorry, you don't wanna put him back and then see all 10 with the same simptoms...

 

 

Thanks - I'm calling right now!

red blood usually denotes it was surface or possible around the anal close to the surface, black blood would be more within the bird and digestive system, an avian vet drip is advised.

red blood usually denotes it was surface or possible around the anal close to the surface, black blood would be more within the bird and digestive system, an avian vet drip is advised.

 

 

Well, back from the vet (avian) who examined him and after a careful look at his vent, said that there was no more bleeding (she used the teeny tiniest q-tip I have ever seen to check!) and showed me some bruising just above the vent. Since there were no other symptoms, no plants nearby, no free flying in the house, no new toys, no food changes - she ruled out poisioning. (She also asked if he had been masterbating :hap: - none of that either!) She thought he either injured himself or had a polyp (based on the bruising - although after checking she found no evidence of a polyp. So he is back home - a bit unhappy with orders to stay warm and fed well, by himself for a few days to allow a good chance for replacement of lost blood. If there is any more bleeding or he is straining more when doing his droppings, they will need to check inside Hopefully that won't happen and this is the end of it!!!

Just an aside - she told me to change their metal millet clips with plastic ones as she has seen injury from the metal ones.

You learn something new everyday! Thanks for the advice again!!!

i have metal millet clips - thanks for the warning!

 

I am so pleased it doesn't seem serious. I hope he has a speedy recovery.

I thought it was more surface and I am glad you were quick to take him to the avian vet, good news . Thank you for the update.

great to hear he is well... Fantastic news!

Great to hear all is well ...... I use pegs for clipping seeded grasses and millet .....

Good to hear he is doing okay.

Justa side note. Feeding your birds red coloured berries will colour their droppings red

but don't practice with strawberries because they arn't good right?

They are fin If you grow your own JB or from an organic farm ...

Strawberries and most other berries have a thin layer of skin so all chemicals and pesticides can penetrate the fruit which will lead to poising or illness to birds

Edited October 25, 200816 yr by Neat