If you find a bird with an injured foot, there are a few things you can do to help it recover. The most important steps are to stabilize the injury, provide pain relief, keep the bird calm, and get it to a wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Assess the Injury
When you first encounter an injured bird, it’s important to assess the situation before taking any action. Look at the foot and leg to try to determine what type of injury it is. Some common foot and leg injuries in birds include:
- Broken toes or foot bones
- Dislocated joints
- Torn ligaments
- Lacerations
- Entanglement in string, hair, fishing line, etc.
Try to get a sense of how severe the injury is. Severe injuries may involve bleeding, broken bones sticking out at odd angles, or limbs hanging limply and unusably. More moderate injuries may show swelling, bruising, or the bird holding its foot up off the ground.
Stabilize the Injury
Once you’ve assessed the situation, the next priority is to stabilize the injury to prevent further damage. Here are some tips for stabilizing common foot and leg injuries:
- If the foot or toes are dangling loosely, gently wrap the foot with gauze or a soft cloth to provide support.
- For broken bones or dislocated joints, fashion a splint out of a popsicle stick, tongue depressor, or other rigid material.
- Use medical tape, strips of fabric, or elastic bandages to secure splints in place.
- If there is string, hair, or fishing line tangled around the foot, carefully clip it away with scissors.
- Cover any open wounds with antibiotic ointment and light bandages.
- Place the bird in a small box lined with tissues or cloth for support and confinement.
The key is to immobilize the injury to prevent the bird from causing further damage as it struggles. Splints, slings, and bandages can all help provide stabilization.
Manage Pain
Birds feel pain just like humans and other animals. Untreated pain will cause additional stress for an injured bird. Here are some options for providing pain relief:
- A topical anesthetic like lidocaine can numb pain on the skin. Apply a small amount directly to wounds.
- An oral children’s pain reliever like paracetamol can provide mild pain relief. Consult with a vet on proper dosing for the species.
- A hot water bottle or heating pad under one side of the enclosure can soothe muscle aches.
- Arnica tablets or gel can reduce pain and swelling when taken internally or applied topically.
Never give a bird medication not specifically prescribed by a vet for that species. Only use approved bird medications at proper dosages to avoid toxicity.
Keep the Bird Calm
In addition to physical treatment, it’s important to minimize stress for an injured bird. Some tips for keeping an injured bird calm include:
- Keep the bird in a quiet, dark room away from other pets, children, and noise.
- Avoid handling the bird any more than absolutely necessary.
- Speak softly and move slowly and gently when interacting with the bird.
- Make sure the bird is warm by providing a heating pad or hot water bottle for its enclosure.
- Provide clean water and favorite treats to help soothe the bird.
An injured bird is already distressed. Keeping it isolated, quiet, warm, and hydrated will help avoid further stress responses.
Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitator
The best chance for recovery requires professional veterinary care. Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator or animal rescue organization as soon as possible. Provide details on the species, extent of injury, and how the bird is contained. Here are some reasons to get professional help right away:
- Severe injuries require x-rays, proper realignment of bones, surgical repair, and casting.
- Infected wounds need antibiotic therapy.
- Birds may need fluid therapy or nutritional support if incapacitated.
- Physical therapy can help birds regain strength and range of motion.
- Professional rehabilitators have specialized facilities, training, permits, and resources.
With proper first aid at home and subsequent professional treatment, many birds can make a full recovery from foot and leg injuries. Never assume an injury is hopeless!
Provide At-Home Aftercare
If rehabilitation will take some time, be prepared to provide aftercare at home while the bird recuperates. Here are some tips for caring for an injured bird:
- Set the bird up in a large cage or enclosure with easy access to food, water, and perches.
- Line the bottom of the enclosure with soft, clean bedding that can be changed out frequently.
- Follow instructions from the vet for changing bandages, administering medication, and physical therapy.
- Check bandages daily and look for signs of improved mobility.
- Keep other household pets away so the bird can rest and recover.
- Provide a calm environment and spend time interacting gently with the bird daily.
With attentive at-home nursing care and collaboration with the rehabilitation experts, you can give an injured bird the best possible chance at recovery.
Know When to Seek Help
Most minor foot injuries heal with a little rest and restriction. However, some signs warrant an immediate trip to an emergency vet or wildlife rehabilitator:
- Bleeding that won’t stop with applied pressure
- Major wounds or traumatic visible damage to the foot
- Broken bones protruding through the skin
- Pale or bluish discoloration of the foot indicating loss of circulation
- Unnatural drooping, twisting, or bending of the injured area
- Inability or unwillingness to move the limb or foot
- Loss of appetite and general lethargy
- Swelling that appears infected – red, hot, yellow discharge
Some injuries require immediate emergency treatment to save a bird’s life or limb. When in doubt, reach out to an expert right away.
Prevent Injuries
The best approach is to try to prevent bird foot injuries before they happen. Here are some tips for keeping birds safe:
- Use bird-safe materials in cages – avoid wire floors, sandpaper perches, nesting boxes with loose threads
- Provide clean, sturdy perches and branches of varying widths
- Trim overgrown beaks and nails to prevent cracking and overgrowth issues
- bird-proof your home by shutting windows/doors, using decals on glass doors, containing ceiling fans and fireplaces
- Keep string, hair, rubber bands, and other entanglement hazards out of reach
- Identify and correct potential fall and collision risks in the bird habitat
While birds navigate the world on thin little feet and legs, there are many things we can do to minimize the odds of traumatic injury.
Conclusion
Birds are very vulnerable to foot and leg injuries that can become quite serious. However, by knowing first aid techniques, providing a supportive recovery environment, and seeking professional rehabilitation, many birds can fully mend from strained tendons, broken bones, damaged nails and toes, and other traumatic injuries. With some patience and attentive care, birds can regain their footing – and their wings!