We're going to have a one-legged birdie. :(

[MiaCarter]

KarenB -- You know what may work nicely?
A pair of brand new manicure scissors. Those are super sharp and they're designed to cut tissue.

But be cautioned that cutting tissue is like cutting through chewing gum. Even necrotic tissue is sort of gummy. You need to hold it taught or you'll just sit there chewing at it without getting anywhere. (Is it weird that I know what it's like to cut through rotting flesh?? LOL)

I'd clamp her with a hemostat before cutting anything. Just to ensure there's no sensation.

In fact, the hemostat would be handy in holding it taught while you make the cut.

You can get a pair of hemostats at Walgreens or even Walmart. Might need to ask the pharmacist; they may be a behind-the-counter item as the more random medical supply-type items often are.

[MiaCarter]

How's she doing Sheather???

[Sheather]

MiaCarter Great - as far as behavior. Bright-eyed, ravenous appetite, almost fully weaned along with the other seven of her age group, flying like a professional, and getting around perfectly well on one foot with her stump for balance. The only thing different about her is her preference for sleeping in the crooks of branches, for support, instead of out on the perch. She learned to bathe today and flies just as well from the floor to the top of the room as her parents and siblings. Though what's left of her foot is yet to fall off, the inflammation and swollen pus pocket is going down quickly now. I don't worry about her any longer - she's a real fighter and not once appeared slowed down by her injury as she's been growing. I continue to treat the leg with neosporin and keep it clean, though she's getting harder to catch now.



Given the wedge-shape of the head and large bill, I'm also beginning to think Dancer may be a male after all - conversely, his/her nearly identical sibling Perry, assumed male, is looking more like a hen.

On another note, there are a couple more problems that have cropped up in the younger finches now that they're beginning to fly. O noticed since the younger seven birds fledged over the last week and a half that one of them was born with not one but two twisted feet - and another with one twisted foot. Several toes on each foot are immobile and bend over one another. :c The chick with just one wonky foot, Hershey, doesn't have much trouble at all perching, and the doubly afflicted bird, Amber, is too getting around alright, though she doesn't perch on thin branches because she can't really grab what she lands on. We're going to have a few permanent special-needs little guys this time around.

But now my real concern is Jack - I'll make a new topic for him though....

[MiaCarter]

Sheather - Well that's great news on Dancer!
Thank goodness. I was worried about that foot with the infection, but it sounds like it's healing nicely.

That face is looking quite male going by the attached photo. That beak is really big and a bit more wedgy than you usually see on a female.

That's not good with the others and their foot issues.
I'm worried you may have something congenital there, as that's a high instance of deformity.

Got an update on my baby with the messed up foot; I'll post it on the other thread and I'll read up on Jack too!

[KarenB]

I love the name Dancer for him. It's so ironic. It is good to see him doing so well! Such a handsome boy. He will always have a special place in your heart, just like my Annie

[Airlyn]

Gosh Sheather, I just wanted to say, I think you have a heart of gold! The way you care for your handicapped babies is so touching.
Bless you!
Airlyn