URGENT!!! chick with a broken leg...

isibee · Post by **isibee** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 10:09 am

a gouldian chick has a broken leg, how do I mend it? I have no idea how it got it...maybe the foster parents or simply fell down...is it even possible to mend? thanks

Post by **Sally** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:03 am

There is a good article on broken bones at www.finchniche.com/. I have had finches with broken bones, and mostly they just heal on their own, but never properly, and you then have a handicapped finch. Mine get along just fine, with a few adjustments for their comfort.

isibee · Post by **isibee** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 11:12 am

well it looks broken, it s just dangling there and the poor chick is not using it at all...it s all white so no more blood is going to it...maybe even just popped out of its socket...what am I to do?

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 1:59 pm

If you can't get to an avian vet with the bird then either it will have to mend on it's own or try reading this page -

http://www.finchniche.com/f-bbones.mgi

I've never had to deal with a broken bird leg (touch wood). Good luck and keep us posted.

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Sun Dec 14, 2008 4:13 pm

I am so sorry to hear about your bird. My friend had a lovebird who broke her leg and the vet had to make a make shift splint for it to try and give her support for the leg while it healed itself. The little thing had to wear a plastic rigged elizabethian collar for a few weeks, it was pathetic looking, yet adorable at the same time. Unfortunetly the leg never did gain full strength back, it is healed and she uses it a little to support her weight but she is unable to fully tighten her little toes to get a good grip, thus she grips extra hard with the other foot. She gets around okay though.

I would take it to a vet if you still don't feel confident after having read that article. Good luck and keep us posted.

Post by **Hilary** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 9:27 pm

Ah drat. I agree - if a vet is available take it in. If not, keep a close eye on it. I had an expensive Lavender finch snap a leg while I was out of town, and without bloodflow it turned black and dried up (sorry, that's gross). I amputated at the break and treated with topical and oral antibiotics. That was about a year and a half ago, and he's doing great.

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Tue Dec 23, 2008 10:07 pm

It will need a splint and coulor.Have seen it with parrots with success,but never with finches.
i wonder if super glue would be enough to hold it.

A avian vet would be the best bet .

bonnies_gouldians · Post by **bonnies_gouldians** » Wed Dec 24, 2008 1:04 am

How is the little guy going? Any better?