Cockatiel and bleeding nail? Need immediate help!

[Crazy]

Okay so I was trying to put my birdy in his cage and he was flying around like CRAZY, and he somehow hurt his nail and it started bleeding. I have no idea how this happened, I think while he was desperate he got his nail stuck in his rope... no matter how it happened, I need to know how to treat him?? We absolutely can't afford to go to a vet, and I don't have cornstarch to stop his bleeding. What are ways for me to stop his bleeding and to make sure it doesn't get infected? I'm really scared and never had this happen to him before. Thanks in advance!

 

[Crazy]

Also, Ive heard from a lot of people that neosporin is safe to use, and then I hear that neosporin isn't safe to use. Is it or is it not safe?

 

[Allee]

Cornstarch is most effective to stop bleeding, flour will work in a pinch. After the bleeding has completely stopped, flush the wound with warm water and maybe a little peroxide, keep the wound as clean as possible to avoid infection. You can use Neosporin as long as your bird doesn't insist on licking it off.

 

[Crazy]

Okay, thank you... we have tons of flour! He isn't bleeding anymore but I'm scared it'll start up again. I hope we have peroxide... Do I just continue to clean his wound daily with peroxide and warm water?

 

[Anansi]

Depending on how much blood has been lost, you may need to try and find a way to go to a vet. Credit card, perhaps?

But that said, you can try using flour in lieu of cornstarch. Apply pressure and it should help staunch the flow of blood.

As for neosporin, I don't know. But I personally wouldn't chance it.

Hoping everything works out for your 'tiel. Please keep us updated.

 

[Crazy]

Thank you Anansi!

 

[Anansi]

You're welcome. When I'd replied, I hadn't seen that Allee had already given an excellent response.

As for the wound, is it a gash or was he bleeding from his nail?

 

[Crazy]

He was bleeding from his nail, a lot like if a human ripped his/her nail. He doesn't seem in pain and he's playing with me and stuff but I can tell he's trying to stay off of that foot.

 

[Allee]

Okay, thank you... we have tons of flour! He isn't bleeding anymore but I'm scared it'll start up again. I hope we have peroxide... Do I just continue to clean his wound daily with peroxide and warm water?

Yes, keep clean paper or white paper towels on the floor of his cage, it's really important to keep the wound as clean as possible until it heals.

As Stephen/Anansi mentioned, it's difficult to give the right advice without actually seeing the wound. If the injury is minor, you can probably take care of it at home, if the injury is more serious, infection is a big concern, infection spreads rapidly in such a small body, in that case a vet visit is more necessity than choice.