FINCHforum

hello. I have a clutch of 3 baby Java finches.

one of them, the youngest, has a very deformed right leg, It can not stand on it.

What is the right humane thing to do. If it survives, what type of life can it have?

If I put it out of it's misery, how would you do that, besides wiping away tears.

bobsinoregon

Even with a deformed leg, your birdling can have a good life.

I have a male Zebra, who lost a leg and a wing in a terrible accident. He lives a wonderful life, with his Society girl (who has only half a wing on one side) in their private accommodations, and they are very happy together.

Do you happen to have a picture of this chick and his leg?

Here's a picture of Max and Kelsie, in their home.

Your bird could live a happy life. Babies are adaptable and will have never known any other way of getting around. I've had a few finches with leg problems or missing legs, and most did just as well as their normal counterparts.

there is a pic. The lil guy can stand on one leg and fly. The bad leg is a bit sore at the joint as it rubs on the ground.

Maybe it's own cage where it can perch was a soft bottom, and take over feeding and see how it will do??

bobsinoregon

It looks like it got twisted and sat on in the nest by siblings or parents.
Caught sooner, it might have possibly been corrected, but now...

As long as he can get around and fly, he should be okay. Does he use the leg at all, or just drag it behind?

he doesn't use the leg, but thanks everyone, I'll make it it is healthy and it has a home!

bobsinoregon I once knocked a nest onto the floor from pretty high, and 3 of the 4 babies had varying injuries. The worst looked pretty close to your baby, except his leg stuck straight out to the side. He lived for some years with this handicap, it is surprising how well they adapt.