Feathers on a bird are equivalent to hair on a mammal. Each feather arises from a feather follicle in the skin. These feathered areas are arranged over the body in specific patterns or tracts. These tracts are called pterylae. There are also areas of the bird's body that do not have feathers. These featherless tracts are called apterylae.

What is a blood feather or pin feather? 

A blood feather or pin feather is a new feather growing on a bird. When a feather is pulled out or falls out during a normal molt/moult (a normal loss of feathers), a new feather starts growing right away. This blood feather/pin feather emerges from a feather follicle on the skin. It looks like a spike, quill, or like the feather shaft. The new feather has blood flowing through it and is encased by a coating/sheath composed of keratin, which is a type of protein. 

The base, where the feather is developing and being nourished by blood, is a dark blue color. On smaller feathers, such as those around the head, the base may be a red or pink color. Some pin feathers may be sensitive, and birds may not enjoy being handled during their molting/moulting process. 

As the feather continues to grow, the tip matures first as the blood recedes back down into the follicle. The bird will gradually preen off the keratin feather sheath from the maturing feather tip and the newly formed feather will emerge. Some birds love to have a "preening buddy" gently roll the tip of the feather as it matures, to help remove the sheath from the mature part of the feather. Once a feather is fully grown, the blood supply stops.

What should I do if a blood feather gets damaged or bleeds? 

If a blood/pin feather is damaged or broken, the feather may bleed heavily. The bleeding may stop on its own, but if there is a constant drip of fresh blood, contact an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. A bird can lose a large amount of blood over a short period of time, so immediate action is necessary. 

To help stop the bleeding, you can apply styptic powder, corn starch, or flour to the damaged end of the feather. If the bleeding does not stop within 2 to 3 minutes, seek help from an avian veterinarian. It is not recommended to pull the blood feather at home, as this will leave the empty shaft open and potentially cause more blood loss. 

The veterinarian may choose to pull the damaged or broken blood feather, but usually as a last resort. Pulling a blood feather is painful and the feather follicle may incur permanent damage during the process. Pain medications are recommended if the blood feather needs to be pulled. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be necessary if a substantial amount of blood has been lost. 

NEVER put styptic powder, corn starch, or flour into an open feather follicle as this may permanently damage the follicle, which in turn may create growth issues for that feather in the future. Once a feather is pulled or removed, a new blood feather will form. The new feather will mature in 4–6 weeks.

To find an avian veterinarian in your area, go to www.aav.org and select “Find a Vet”.