need question answered. plz

[mammy]

Hi I have a 17 yr old Parrot that got bit by a rat about 2 hrs ago. He is not with me but is living with my grandson. My daughter text me and said the rat had got into the house and had bit Pete on his foot. She said Pete had some blood on his foot but it was not bleeding now. And hadnt bled much at all. I am worried sick. What should I look for or do? I dont know of a vet around here that treats birds and I am on a fixed monthly income and cant afford tbe big vet bills. Could this kill Pete? She is bringing him to me today after it has warmed up some. I hate to seperate him from my grandson because they love each other but it is safer at my apartment for him for now. She has killed that rat but there will probably be more.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Welcome to the forum, mammy.

I'd thoroughly clean/disinfect Pete's foot. Depending on the severity of the bite, it may get infected, and then a course of antibiotics is needed. However, only an avian vet will be able to prescribe that for you.

If you give us your approximate location, we may be able to give you some names of Avian vets. http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/9841-vets-your-area.html

 

[mammy]

Gate City Va. Is pretty close there is about 4 vets in that area but I am pretty sure none of them deals with birds. Pete has only seen 1 vet in his life and that was only to clip his wings. And it was a fight to the finish between him and the vet lol. I will be able to tell more about him once my daughter gets him here. What can I wash his foot in? And I am not sure I will even be able to do that. My grandson is the only person that can touch him now.

 

[JerseyWendy]

What type of parrot is Pete? Could someone possibly help you while you towel him? I'd clean the bite with betadine or hydrogen peroxide.

How To Towel Your Parrot

 

[Kiwibird]

I'm sorry Pete got his foot bit We use hydrogen peroxide for our bird when he has minor injuries. However, given this wound was inflicted by a wild rat, I would wash and disinfect it ASAP and then make an appointment with a vet. Rats are notorious for carrying disease, and birds have relatively fragile immune systems. A preventative course of antibiotics "just in case" is so much better than the wound becoming infected and it being to late. If there is not an AV close by, a vet who deals with exotics is your next best bet, especially if it's just examining a wound and prescribing antibiotics.

 

[mammy]

Peroxcide like ppl use? I was told he was a blue faced amazon but im not sure if thats right so i always just say a talking amazon.

 

[Kiwibird]

Yes, regular peroxide like you'd use on a wound for a person. The reason being, once it's bubbled up and done it's job, it dissipates and is totally non-toxic if the bird licks the wound later. Other disinfectants (like neosporin or bandaid wash) can leave residues that may be toxic or cause diarrhea if the bird ingests them.

What does your bird look like? Does he look like mine? Primarily green with a yellow head, little blue on the head/face and dark gray-black beak/feet? Then yes, he is probably a blue front amazon

 

[Allee]

Hello and Welcome, mammy. I'm sorry about Pete's injury, I hope you are able to clean and disinfect the wound and get a close look at the injury. Having Pete seen by an Av Vet would be in his best interest, any animal bite, no matter how small, can cause an infection. If any of the vets in your area treat birds, it might be wise to make some calls. If you explain your circumstances, they may be willing to work out a payment plan for you.

Good luck and please keep us updated.