Peach faced lovebird foot injury

Question
I recently noticed that my pet lovebird had blood on its food, I don't know how this was caused but it may be due to scratching/biting it. He keeps using the other leg and doesn't put pressure on it. I was wondering what would be best to do for care or this bird.

Answer
Hi Alex,

I would definitely recommend you get your baby to a good avian vet to have it examined.  Blood loss in any bird is very dangerous as it doesn't take much for them to bleed to death.  

Be sure to check everything in his cage thoroughly.  If he has a food bowl that is set down into a ring, check to make sure it's always securely fastened into the ring... they can get their toes stuck in between the bowl and the ring.  Also check all of the toys and perches you have in the cage.  If is foot/toes/nails are getting caught in any strings, metal chains/rings, etc. he will chew his toes off to free himself.  Just check the entire cage - anything suspect, get rid of it.  Check for blood on any of these items too, that might indicate a source of the problem.

Do you have any other pets (cat/birds) that could be getting to him from outside of the cage?  If you have a cat and the cat seems to be very interested in the bird in general - get him to a vet immediately!  Cat saliva has a bacteria in it that is ALWAYS deadly and will kill a bird within a matter of hours.

Another possibility is that he may have mites or some kind of skin condition whereas a visit to an avian veterinary is mandatory.  Whatever you do - don't assume this is the case and use any products made available in regular pet stores.  They can actually be quite dangerous and honestly, should not be sold period.

I hope this helps you and you're able to get your baby to a vet to have him treated.  Good luck.