Expert: Roger Lederer - 6/11/2007

Question
my cat caught a sparrow and brought it about 10ft from where it was caught. my g/f took the cat inside and i ran out to catch the bird who was hiding and hopping/fluttering in the bushes along the fence. once in my hand his left leg seemed to dangle from his back straight out vertically with his body while the other sat like birds do when they sit in your hand.
I immediately assumed it was broken...brought him inside but him in a toaster oven box with grass, twigs, water and seeds. at first he didn't look to comfortable in there but now...after an hour i checked and hes nestled in the grass sleeping, maybe but panting.
I don't know if the leg will heal...if he's in pain, or shock....and if it's ok to have him in a box while he gets better or bring him to the humane society...do they usually just go about normal life with a broken leg...
I've seen one legged pigeons or missing toes?
thanks
trish

Answer
It is best to bring him to the local wildlife rehab center if you have one. Although occasionally some birds do survive with one leg, they are almost always birds that spend most of their time on flat surfaces, not in trees. The leg will not heal on its own as bird's legs tend to shatter when they break. Also see www.ornithology.com/rehab.html for more information and thanks for your concern.