Leg catching on a rib? Maybe?

[Becca199212]

The bird is 3 weeks old, I've just noticed it today.
When it walks its left leg gets caught and it can't move it all the way forward, when I look at it closely, it looks like the top leg joint catches on the most outer rib. I'm not too sure how to explain it, I can fix it temporarily (until it moves it's leg back again) by pulling the leg forward but I can feel it catching on something else.

It's quite hard to explain, I'll not have my camera until Friday so I can only try to explain. Since the bird is still growing would it be possible to strap it in place? Or would that just cause more problems?

[TAWhatley]

It is definitely worth trying to correct the problem while the bird is still young. It may be that this is more than a simple splayed leg .. broken perhaps .. or dislocated at the hip. Still, I'd try the taping/strapping. A picture or two would definitely help.

Terry

[Becca199212]

Ok- this is now critical, the chick is on the verge of death and I'm in a panic because I don't know what to do!
His breathing is laboured and he is cold, I've got him on a heat pad and am trying to comfort him but I need to do something or else I'm afraid he's going to go- Please help!

[little bird]

Becca, if he is gasping and breathing with difficulty, then the most important thing is to get his body temp up to par and just keep it very quiet. Don't try at this moment to feed or water or medicate. Perhaps if you could sit at a table or desk (with the baby in front of you) on the heat and a towel tent over him to keep the heat on him until he warms up.... and softly hum to him so he knows you are there. Just wait for the warmth to revive him.

[Becca199212]

Thank you Nona- he is warm now but still very weak, I offered him water before I read your post and he took it gratefully but it more or less went straight through him and came out the other side as water. He is very thin, I think he may be starving. When will it be safe to feed him?

[little bird]

Yes, now that he is very warm, you may try to give him some very thin baby bird formula. Try pdpbisons method with the shot glass ... see if he will suck up some nourishment. Don't over do it... just like a 1/2 to 1 teaspoon full at a time and give him time to digest it. It is better to feed him a bit every half hour than to fill him up,

[little bird]

BTW, the leg is of NO importance right now.

[Becca199212]

Thank you again- I've given him a tiny bit of formula.
Yes, I will fix his leg when the time is better.

[little bird]

Becca, if you could make the formula with rehydrating solution...... you know a half teaspoon of honey, or glucose, or sugar and a good pinch of salt in a cup of warm water, just for the first few feedings until he is responding better.

[Becca199212]

I will do thank you Nona

[little bird]

Becca, I have nothing better to do at this time,.... so I'm standing by. BTW, ... Guess whose birthday is Nov 16th??

[Becca199212]

Well, I'm very pleased your around to help. I just gave him a second sip of formula with salt and sugar. He is more or less back to his normal self, a bit more squeak and a bit more wriggle and we're almost there. I can't believe how good he looks after the state he was in a few hours ago.

Nona- you are BRILLIANT!

[Becca199212]

I know it's not my birthday on the 16th November! Whose is it?

[Becca199212]

It's YOUR birthday on 16th November!

[little bird]

Yeah, every now and then we have to put a tub over my head so the sun can shine. You did good Becca... just never panic and take it slow and sure. You can stop the sugar & salt after he looks normal but continue the small feedings for at least the next 12 hours. Then slowly increase so you fill him normally after the crop empties.