Blood under feet, sandy perch?!

[Sandra]

My gouldian was perfectly fine before but now I see blood spots on sandy perch and other perches too. Could be new sandy perch cause that? I got it yesterday.

What to do now? I have removed the sandy perch and replaced with the plastic.

She doesnt seem to be bothered and doing her usual but will the bleeding stop?

[FancyFinch]

A safer alternative to the store bought perches is to go outside and snip some branches from nature, just NO PINE! Maybe her feet just got scratched up?

[L in Ontario]

If the bleeding has not stopped (it should on its own), you'll have to catch her up and put some flour or cornstarch on the wound and hold it on there for a few seconds. Or if you have Liquid Bandage, you can use that too. But you do have to make sure the bleeding stops quickly. They don't have a lot to spare.

[birdclaws]

Those sand perches can cut their feet over time. It's usually not a problem if they have mostly regular perches and one that is textured. I threw all of mine away when I was told they can cut /swell their feet. I've replaced mine with natural perches and use terra cotta dishes to help keep their nails down, or just cut them down if needed.

[debbie276]

I agree with Brian, those rough perches can cut up their feet pretty bad. I'm glad you removed it and replaced it with the one you had.
Good luck and a speedy recovery for your bird.

[Sandra]

Thanks everyone!

I think I got the bleeding under control now.

I called vet. He told me to put pressure with a tissue and then put a tiny tiny bit of polysporin. I covered up the plastic perch with tissue and I no longer see blood spots.

But if it starts again, I will try some flour. NO more of those perches. I rather trim their nails more often then using that none sense perches.

[L in Ontario]

Glad to hear the bleeding has stopped. Pedi-perches are much better than the "sand" perches.

[Sandra]

I think for now, I'll stay away from those type of perches.

I got a good natural perch from pet store yesterday (little larger in diameter than i like but ok)

[debbie276]

Im glad shes on her way to recovery, best of luck.

[finchandlovebird]

Gee, that's just awful. I have at least 2 of those sand perches (& sand swings) in each cage; never had a problem. I guess my birds have tough feet.

[ac12]

I have that problem periodically w my zebras. As far as I have been able to determine, it is due to them walking on and cutting the bottom of their feet on the hard sharp poop on the cage floor. I think that is the same effect as the sandy perches. The pad on the bottom of the foot is scratched and finally worn down till it bleeds.

[debbie276]

I do believe that bumblefoot is caused by the foot becoming infected from unsuitable perches.
http://www.avianweb.com/bumblefoot.html

[Sandra]

I've had my 2 Gouldian finches since Friday morning. The bleeding started after the new sandy perch was put in on Saturday. By Sunday, it had a lot of blood spots on it.

She is thanksfully back to being ok. Thing is that she didnt even stand on one foot or show any signs of being hurt. She kept on her usual.

Petsmart took the perch back, which I am very happy they did.

[debbie276]

[Sally]

I've heard of problems with those sandy perches, so I've never used them. I do use the concrete pedi-perches, which are rough, but I've never had a foot problem from them.