another injury :-(

[hollyrocker]

One of my Boys is bleeding from the head and now walking backwards. There is blood all over the roof of his house. He lives alone. He's been fine up until this point so I don't know how this could of happened.
It happened at some point in the night, so I think something could have scared him? What can I do?

I just dont seem to be having much success in making these birds happy

 

[sphanges]

Sounds like he has head bonked. How high is his cage? Sometimes they get a fright and injure themselves. Try sticking something soft underneath the roof of the cage, like foam. It might help lessen the damage if it happens again.

I once had a female who would headbonk frequently if she was even a little stressed. I eventually rehomed her to a lady with a tall aviary so there was no chance of her hitting her head.

Hope your little guy heals up quickly.

Cheers
B

 

[hollyrocker]

He's temporarily in a rabbit hutch until the shed is converted. The roof is about 3 times his height higher than him. It looks like he has done it over and over again in the night.
I don't know if he's a little concussed as he won't stop walking backwards involuntarily

 

[TwoCrows]

He is obviously stressed or something is making him scared. You need to give him hiding places and offer him a more natural place to live. The rabbit hutch is fine for a home. You need to cut some branches from a tree outside and prop them up in the corners so the leaves hang down to the floor. Ones that he can hide in and around. Make the entire place a forest in there. This will calm him down.

For now, put some ointment on his head. You can also pad the ceiling with something, however the tree branches should do the trick.

 

[hollyrocker]

Aw that's great, this whole time I've read different threads I've thought that the homes I've provided arent enough for them. Im glad all I need to do is modify them. I've felt quite guilty putting them in hutches and seeing some of the amazing enclosures on here.

Thank you so much

 

[TwoCrows]

Rabbit hutches work well if you do modify them. Quail tend to flush up and boink their heads on the ceilings. Usually out of fear. But if they feel secure in their surroundings, this is less likely to happen. Some quail are just high strung and need a comforting area. I think the branches will help calm him down. Good luck!

 

[hollyrocker]

Thank you I've put loads of branches in each one and they all seem a lot calmer.
Is it possible for him to of done some damage to his brain, I don't know why he is walking backwards

 

[TwoCrows]

Yes, walking backwards is a sign he has injured his brain. If he seems to need some extra attention with eating and drinking, you might want to separate him out for a few days so he can heal alone. You might even put him under a heat lamp as usually with this type of injury, they can actually be cold. You will need to judge this on your own. Hope he recovers soon. Some do, some don't. But give the little guy a chance.

 

[hollyrocker]

He is on his own. Your advice is priceless thank you so much. I will do my best

 

[danielatc81]

TwoCrows,

Is the "branches/hides" idea a default housing recommendation or just under circumstances of observed distress? Additionally, will adding "hides" impact enclosure capacity?