Blood feathers?

[Mare Miller]

Does anyone know why some feathers have blood in them and others don't? I'm noticing this lots after Sassy's heavy molt.

 

[dishgal1]

When they first come in they are filled with blood. That is how they grow from the blood supply. After they are in a while the blood tends to dry up or disappear. It is no longer needed. So especially when I clip flight feathers I look near the base to see if they still have blood before I clip. HOpe this helps.

 

[henpecked]

They have blood in them while they are developing. When feathers mature they are clear. The blood feathers are tender and shouldn't be messed with.

 

[azdesertrhino]

When we first brought MAC home he got spooked and fell from his play perch.

He broke a blood feather and we didn't know what to do. Our new baby was wounded.

An emergency run to the Avian vet got it taken care of but it was scary!!