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I have a 2 mo old cockateil chick that broke his wing a week ago. We followed the advice on line to immobilize it using vet tape, but he continues to get the wing in an unnatural high position slightly turned out. Puting it in the right position causes him to squawk and flop around. There are no bird vets near hear. He is eating and drinking ok. I'm giving him oral antibiotic and using a spray on the area. What else can I do?
Optional Information: Type of Animal: cockateil Gender: Male Age: 2 mo Name of Animal: Arthur Already Tried: Immobilizing with vet tape, oral antibiotic, cleansing spray
Greetings, I am Dr. Pat. I have worked with birds for many years. I will do my best to help you.I have just come online, I suspect other experts did not take your question because they are afraid you will not like the answer. This may be true, you will not like my answer, but I am answering in the interest of your little bird. I KNOW you want to help him out.Really, the online advice about fracture repair is very dangerous. Often taping makes it worse and may end in amputation. It may be better to DO NOTHING. If he squawks it is wrong! And how was the wing broken in the beginning? are you absolutely certain there are no other injuries? and what part is broken? If the shoulder is injured you may be doing great harm. Not to mention the pain!If a vet did not tell you to use antibiotics, DISCONTINUE THEM IMMEDIATEDLY. OTC medications are at best worthless, but usually are very dangerous--AND do not kill bacteria! And if these are OTC antibiotics, you wasted money better spent on a vet visit. Since when do antibiotics fix a fracture? Plus the OTC antibiotics diminish calcium levels and absorption, and cause immune suppression. Stop giving them. And heaven knows what the spray is doing...Take the tape off. Discontinue the spray and antibiotics. Now lets do something to help him and meanwhile call around for referrals to a local vet with at least enough experience to examine him.If the wing is not dragging, the best course is to NOT tape it, and confine him to a safe environment. He is young and it will likely heal normally giving half a chance.f you feel comfortable with it, examine the bird thoroughly, using gentle restraint via washcloth or hand towel: do not restrict the chest or hold around the body. Check the mouth and beak if possible, having a good look in there for mucus, redness, masses or anything else unusual. Palpate the tummy for pain, fluid, lumps or anything else. Check all the joints for swelling, pain, and mobility. Move the bird to an aquarium, box or carrier with soft towels in the bottom, no perch, and food and water in low bowls that can be reached easily. Put the whole thing on a heating pad on low or medium. Check it frequently, no overheating allowed! Keep the unit partially covered, warm and quiet. White paper towels or white cloth towels will show the true color of the droppings.You need to to take your bird to see an avian-experienced veterinarian ASAP for complete examination, diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Check http://www.aav.org/association/index.php?content=activeMembersList for members of AAV in your area or call your regular vet and see who they recommend; ask if they really have worked with birds a lot. Your bird may need injectable calcium, pain control and many other medications. Act quickly and good luck.
Thank You for your reply. There is no one in town , closest is 60 miles. The re is a bone the size of a small straw that is protruding from the shoulder. The antibiotic was one that could be put in water and was a broad spectrum, the spray is a cleaning spray, basically just ionized water. I just used these because the skin was broken. As long as he is not handled, he seems to do ok, Mom and Dad are still providing some of the feedings. That's how we think he broke his wing, although it was late at night.
That does indeed merit antibiotics. With a bone protruding, the 60 drive is a must.Wing bones in birds are filled with air sacs that connect directly to the lungs. He is at risk of forming pneumonia or lung abscesses later on. He needs to be on an excellent antibiotic injection ( I would chose piperacillin or Zosyn), pain medication, and the bone needs to be aligned properly, or even trimmed, to not be sticking out to the air. A minor surgical procedure that the VET must do. It will never mend if the bone is protruding and damaging the surrounding soft tissue.Water antibiotics do not work, make them not drink water, and do not kill pathogens. That is why they are available OTC, they are not useful anywhere else. He needs injections, and ASAP.PS I have clients that drive 3-4 hours. So I am not that impressed with 60 miles. This is something you need help with.
Experience: 25+ years working primarily or exclusively with birds