HEALTH EMERGENCY--BROKEN WING?

sean · Post by **sean** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:25 pm

backdrop: I had to catch my star finch to administer SCATT. He was very, very difficult to catch and the process led to him (and I) becoming very stressed.

I administered the SCATT to the back of the neck and released him back to the cage. he is currently on a perch and sucessful made a long hop from one perch to another.

Appearance: He is puffed up and sitting very still atop a perch. With both wings folded against the body, his left wing is in the normal position. His right wing drops slightly against his body. Normally, both wings are perfectly symmetrical.

Breathing rate appears slightly elevated though not too excessive. I am really nervous. any input would be very very very much appreciated.

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 9:47 pm

I realy don't have a sure answer for you but I would give him some heat in the form of a lamp on one end of the cage lay a cover[towel] over part of cage to keep in the heat do you have a small type hospital cage would be good . Sorry I can't help more . When I want to catch a bird I try to wait till dark there are a lot easier to catch when they can't see well.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:14 pm

I agree with BCamp - hospital cage with heatlamp and a cover/towel to keep warmth in the cage. Milletspray and water should be all he needs until tomorrow. Good luck.

the.puppeteer · Post by **the.puppeteer** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:23 pm

Hi Sean,

I don't think it sounds broken - if it were broken it would probably be hanging limp and he'd be on the bottom of the cage. It may have just gotten sprained or bruised a little in the chase. I just caught all 26 of my guys on Tuesday so I know the stress you're talking of!

Just keep an eye on him for a couple days with some added heat, millet spray, etc and let us know how he does.

-Julie

BillD · Post by **BillD** » Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:55 pm

Sorry Sean.

I would have to agree with the.puppeteer on the wing not being broken. I have experience with other birds with a broken wing and they are unable to 'pull' it up close to their body.

Hopefully it was just the stress and it will be back to normal soon.

Good Luck!!

gomer · Post by **gomer** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 6:15 am

You have more than likely dislacated its wing.it probely will not make a full recovery.This is very common in parrots and i myself have a finch the same.put it in a hospital cage for a while.then when you get it out keep it in a small cage so it does not have to fly for food and water untill its fit again.Keep your fingers crossed for a full recovery.But if it lives it will more than likley be able to do what ever your other birds can.

sean · Post by **sean** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:26 pm

thank you for your replies everybody. i was really, really scared last night. the people on this forum are such a help in troubled times.

update: behavior by my star finch appears almost 100% back to normal. with wings folded against the body, they appear almost totally symmetrical once again. perhaps it was just a sprain? i wonder if birds can get sprains like humans do?

B CAMP · Post by **B CAMP** » Fri Feb 20, 2009 9:32 pm

Well thats good news hope he continues to get better