Button Quail Ear Bleeding

[Carterborchers]

I woke up to find a bloody, scabby ear hole on one of my favorite button quail, Pinky. I washed it with warm water (accidentally removed the scab), and tried to clean the blood off, and tried to dab a little ointment. I have her in her own space now. She was living in a trio of white quail “teens” that grew together as chicks. I know there’s at least one male and one female because I’ve started finding an egg every couple of days. Not sure what the third may be…they are just around 6-7 weeks and thought maybe only one female matured so far if there’s two… or it’s a second male. I haven’t seen many breeding attempts or any fighting. I do know that when these guys peck, it’s hard!!! I held some food in my hand and let them eat from it. They seemed to bite and peck with very thick beaks.

Is this a sign of an ear infection or someone pecking at her? The day before, I noticed her head looked different…like black underneath her head feathers. I just thought her colors weren’t as white as the other two. I guess it was specs of blood. Maybe she scratched it with her foot? I’m afraid of other quail pecking at the red ear, so I have her isolated.

 

[Nabiki]

Pictures would help, but I suspect pecking.

 

[Carterborchers]

I’m guessing once it starts, the site of red makes them want to continue… or someone’s an aggressor…? Well, I’m sure she’s female now. There’s an egg in the isolated box.

The other two were quiet all day. Her removal didn’t seem to bother them.

You’re the expert… how do I handle this?

 

[Carterborchers]

Forgot pic …

 

[Carterborchers]

Can she reach it with her toes?