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Birds--General/Quaker's foot got caught in his cage

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Expert: - 1/1/2008


Question
Hello my Quaker had his foot caught in his cage.  When I came in only one toe was caught, the longest one.  When I freed him he favored it and acted like it was numb (he couldn't make it work). There also was a little cut that didn't bleed much at all but its deep and its on the toe that was caught.  His whole foot looks swollen, and he won't use it much occasionally he will put weight on it but doesn't like too.  Its New Years Eve and my vet is not open and won't be tomorrow either is this something I should take him to the emergency vet for? He eats, he makes sure he gets to where he wants I just feel so bad for him. Plus I have been putting neosporin on the cut. His foot is hot and he can't (though he tries) to hold food with it.  Also, even though I only saw the one toe caught in the cage, his whole foot is swollen looking and won't curl up any of his toes on that foot.  THANK YOU!

Answer
Hi, Laura,

It depends on how bad the wound is.  Since I cannot see the wound personally, you will have to be the judge of this.  Birds often injure themselves in/on their cages and often times these injuries go unnoticed by us and they resolve on their own.  However, again, this depends on how bad the injury is.  You can see if this resolves on its own in time based on what you see.  If you have any doubts or are unsure, take the bird to see your avian vet.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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