Nail torn out

lovemyfinch · Post by **lovemyfinch** » Tue May 12, 2009 3:25 pm

I just noticed blood all over the perches in my shaftail cage. After searching for a very long time who was injured I found that my little guy had a nail ripped out. Bleeding has stopped, is there anything that I can do to help him out. He seems to be doing fine flying and walking back and forth. Just that every once in a while he almost loses his balance.

I'd appreciate all suggestions.

nixity · Post by **nixity** » Tue May 12, 2009 4:00 pm

This happened to one of my male Goulds once - Got it caught in a wicker basket

Don't use those for the Goulds anymore subsequently.

I didn't do anything for him besides clean the toe off with some wound cleaner and keep an eye on him.
I would just keep close watch and make sure no infection develops (you will see the toe get very, very red and inflamed, and potentially spread to the rest of the foot if there is infection).
I don't think it would hurt to clean the toe to prevent infection, but I wouldn't give any sort of antibiotics unless you get scared an infection is developing.

lovemyfinch · Post by **lovemyfinch** » Tue May 12, 2009 4:01 pm

Thanks Tiffany, I will see if I can catch him!

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:33 pm

I agree - just clean it off and only if you can without stressing him too much. Otherwise just leave it - he'll clean it up himself in a couple of days.

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:34 pm

Ouch... I have had this happen to finches also....they healed and never had any problems.

lovemyfinch · Post by **lovemyfinch** » Tue May 12, 2009 6:41 pm

Finally caught him.....yes he had a free flight through the house.(little bugger)

Turns out it wasn't his nail, must have already been missing (boy am I alert)

It was under his foot, everything looked already cleaned, so I left it (was afraid it would bleed again) cleaned all the perches and the bottom of the cage.

He's doing fine now, I can't even see a limp.

CandoAviary · Post by **CandoAviary** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:02 pm

If he sliced his foot then look over his cage, toys, nest, etc. to see if there are any sharp edges, wires, etc. Just to be on the safe side

Glad he's okay

lovemyfinch · Post by **lovemyfinch** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:07 pm

I checked everything, the only thing that I can think of is maybe the wicker nest that was on it's side (sort of tubular) I took it out just in case maybe he slipped on it.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Tue May 12, 2009 7:26 pm

Glad to hear he is looking and acting okay now. whew!