What's happened to her???

[Hendryclan]

I found one of my female zebra finches on the bottom of her cage this morning. I thought she had died but when I picked her up she was breathing fast and heavy and trailing one of her legs behind her. The other leg was tucked up under her. She seemed quite alert but was unable to move her trailing leg. I have made her comfortable on the bottom of the cage but I haven't a clue whats happened. The other birds are leaving her alone, but she is unable to fly even though she is flapping her wings. I really don't know what's happened to her and would really appreciate some advice as its so distressing to see her like this. I have checked her over and she has no cuts etc. she is just lying down breathing heavy and fast.

[Sally]

If she is unable to use the trailing leg, chances are she got it hung up in some place in the cage, and it is now injured (could be dislocated, broken, or just bruised). I would put her in a small cage with a heat lamp, food and water on the bottom of the cage, and keep an eye on her.

Welcome to the forum, though it is not under the best of circumstances. There is lots of good reading at www.finchinfo.com, where you will find many articles on finch care. If you put your general location in your profile, it makes it easier to answer locale-specific questions later on.

[wilkifam]

Sounds like she had some kind of accident. Provide heat for her.

[cindy]

Can she open and close her toes? move her foot at all? Likely an injury or possibly was she nesting, eggbinding can but pressure on the spinal column and can cause paralisis, heavy breathing..

[Derk]

Hendryclan
I read on a gouldian site that if a leg/foot gets caught that sometimes the pelvis gets damaged/broken/shattered while the bird struggles to get free. If this happens, the sharp pieces may cause organ damage. This would obviously most likely lead to death.

I hope the situation is not so serious for your little one. Please keep us posted.

[Hendryclan]

Thank you all for your advice. I kept her quiet and warm last night as she is still staying at the bottom of the cage. This morning both of her legs are now trailing behind her. She seems to have a problem sitting up straight and keeps rolling onto her side. I have her some water and she has food and the ones are encouraging her by flying down and foraging the bottom of the cage. I've looked to see if she is egg bound but there is nothing to show this. I'm at a complete loss as to what is wrong with her.

[lovezebs]

Hendryclan

How is your little girl doing?
Haven't heared anything new from you in several days.