Broken Blood Feathers

Cause

Crash landings, night frights, flying into obstacles and self mutilation.

A blood feather is a developing feather which still has a rich blood supply. When one of these feathers is broken, it allows the blood to flow through the open shaft.

Treatment

Grasp the bleeding feather shaft firmly with hemostat or needle nose pliers at base fo feather close to the skin, hold wing firmly and pull shaft out smartly.

If follicle bleeds apply pressure for 1 minute with thumb and index finger.