Toe Problems

[CandoAviary]

I have noticed several post of birds with toe problems facing forward and having perching problems. This is a condition known as 'slip claw'. It can possibly be corrected...the poor bird does not necessarily have to learn to live a life with a handicap if early attention is given by the breeder. Below shows a simple splint. I have done this when breeding canaries. I have used regular masking tape, electric tape, first aid tape. I prefer the regular brown masking tape. I changed the splint regualarly. sometimes daily, sometimes it would stay put and clean for 3 days. I have corrected this condition on 3 seperate occaisions in canaries. Once the splints did not work and I did have a handicapped bird. Below is some info;
http://canarytales.blogspot.com/2009/05 ... -claw.html

Another condition known as 'splayed leg' can also be corrected if supported early. A figure 8 type plint is made... I liked to use pipe cleaners. I have done this twice with great results. Below info:
http://www.thecozynest.com/pictures.htm

http://www.birdcareco.com/English/Arts/ ... layed.html

http://www.jstor.org/pss/30133245

With proper nesting, supporting young with artificial eggs in the case of small cluthes can be enough to prevent this. Good nutrition will go a very long way in the chick developing strong ligaments and bones.
But in the case this does happen I wish breeders would try and help the bird to lead a normal life by assisting with splints. Though even with splinting sometimes the tendons will allow the slip/splay to reoccur. Then you can cater to your handicapped bird. They will still make the most wonderful pet but they should not be breed. If a parent bird continues to produce birds with these maladies then you should seriously consider not breeding them.Whether the parents are genetically contributing to the malady or are just small clutch producers it is best to not breed them. Also stress... such as predators, or us...as we try to peek will cause the bird to bear down on the clutch to protect them, many times causing these injuries. I have seen hens and cocks bear down so tight that you could not pry them off the nest with much force from your finger. Stop and think what that force that they are imposing on their chicks is doing to them, Afterall your finger is much stronger than those itty, bitty chicks. Is peeking really worth it? I know we need to check nest for hatch date records, some even think they need to candle the eggs for fertility, but if you must check then do it when parents are off the nest.
I usually find that first thing in the morning when light first come on the birds are out of the nest, drinking, eating and pooping. I do my nest checks at this time. Never risking scaring the parents off the nest or causing them to bear down on the chicks in an attempt to protect them.
Hope all finches get the best care