Broken leg?

[Ichigo]

I have a society finch who had an accident this morning/last night. He got his foot caught in a rope toy and spun himself around so the rope was wrapped tightly around his ankle. I dont know how long he was there, but I know he wasn't there when I fed them before bed last night... I had to physically cut him loose and now he's not using his leg at all. I don't know what to do. I have a canary that's missing a foot from an accident she had before I got her and she lives a pretty normal life. Is it better to just leave him alone? or should I look for a vet that can take off his foot if it doesn't get any better? (I will not do it myself!) I feel so bad and I'm kinda freaking out about it... I've never had a bird get injured like this before! If anyone has sugestions on what I should do please let me know!

[Nanajennie]

This is an article I read about this. Just an article, I am not qualified to advise. Best of luck!!!

copied and pasted from http://zebrafinchsociety.co.uk

"BROKEN LEG:

Fractured legs are not uncommon. In the majority of cases the negative treatment of leaving them alone is by far the best. If the break is high up, in the fleshy part (the so-called thigh) this method should be invariably adopted.
When the break occurs in the lower part you may attempt to set the break. In attempting to 'set' a leg a suitable sized quill makes an excellent splint. It should be cut to the proper length, slit open, and trimmed to make it fold nicely round the shin. Place the edges of the bone neatly together, pad the leg with a little cotton wool, put on the quill splint and bind it firmly but not too tightly with thread. Leave the splint undisturbed for three or four weeks, so that a firm union be made before attempting to remove it. In all cases keep the bird in a moderate-sized cage, in a quiet place; place perches low down and keep food and water within easy reach of the bird. It is imperative to act promptly.

BROKEN WING:

It is not advisable for the beginner to 'set' a fractured wing. It is sometimes believed possible to assist matters by binding an injured wing in a natural position against the body, but this does not by any means ensure that the fractured ends of bone are being brought together in the proper position, and the risk of the bird pulling the bandage out of position is very great.
The only rational treatment for a broken wing is to leave it alone, and place the bird in a moderate-sized cage, with low perches arranged in a most convenient position, and place food and water where the bird can get at them with the least possible effort. Then keep the bird in a very quite place, and place a light cover over the front of the cage for the first fortnight. The object is to keep the bird as quiet and still as possible until nature has repaired the damage in her own way.
If you find yourself with any form of health problem in your stock that you dont understand, you should contact an experienced fancier or alternatively a veterinary surgeon.."

[Ichigo]

Thanks. That was helpful!

[debbie276]

Jennie, could you post a link to that article
Thanks

[Nanajennie]

debbie276

Jennie, could you post a link to that article
Thanks

Here is the article that was emailed me the week I bought my finches. One was injured while the breeder was catching them and this is the response email I got when I was emailing her about the condition of her injured finch (who is fine as of today thank God)
the article is under Ailments and Accident section
http://zebrafinchsociety.co.uk