Expert: Roger Lederer - 8/16/2007

Question
I have a young mockingbird that was injured by a dog it has no cuts or
infections i checked because i know that if they do and it is not treated they
will usually die within the first 24 hours.  it has no broken bones per say and
if it does the bone/bones that are broken are not splintered and therefore
should not cut any veins/arteries causing internal bleeding.  there is only one
problem the mockingbirds right leg has been dislocated at the knee it is still
in the correct area and is not fully out of place but it has been bent
backwards the bones are not broken.  there are no bird people/vets/habitats
etc.. near me is there anything that i can do to get the knee back in place
properly without hurting the bird?  And what should i feed it until it can be
released into the wild again?

Answer
I can't tell you exactly what to do because I don't know exactly what the problem is. The dislocation could be due to a spiral fracture, torn tendons or muscles, or it could be a birth defect since I presume you did not examine the bird before the dog got it. The only thing to do is to get it to a wildlife rehab center or vet so it can be examined. As far as food and other care, go to www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for information on caring for injured birds. And thanks for your concern.