Vet's away: Can I remove my bird's broken wing bandage myself?

Without a physical exam, it is difficult to determine if amputation is needed. If so, this is not something that should be attempted at home. Most general practice veterinarians will be able to assess the bird's injuries and dispense medication for pain or infection. Although it would be ideal, you don't "need" an avian vet.

If the skin is broken and bleeding, Lemon Drop is at risk for infection. Even if you have no local avian veterinarian, a small animal vet should be able to treat her. A specialist can be consulted online or by phone. The antibiotics and medications used are similar, just the dose is much smaller. A small e-collar (cone) may need to be fashioned to prevent her from plucking. In the meantime, lean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily to keep the cage clean. Provide a variety of toys and treats to keep her distracted from picking. Bathe or mist her with warm water a few times a week to promote preening and healthy skin and plumage.

Thanks for your question about Elmo, and I am sorry to hear that this is happening to him. If the area is continuously getting irritated and injured, I would recommend having him evaluated. Your veterinarian may recommend a bandage, and can prescribe medications, such as pain relievers. Having the area covered and protected may allow It to heal faster. As far as the wing trim goes, you may decide to allow the feathers to grow out and not be cut in the future if you want Elmo to be able to fly. That is okay, but I would recommend talking to your veterinarian about how to keep him safe while flying! I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Elmo feels better soon.

Thanks for reaching out about Chipper and including photos. You should monitor the growth of the next feather from that follicle. If it grows in rotated, there is a chance this might be a persistent problem. Then a veterinary visit is recommended to diagnose the condition, which might include blood work, a nutrition discussion and possible follicle biopsy. Often times it is a one time problem, where the feather was tweaked in the follicle and grew in abnormal. Good luck.

Check local and state wildlife laws first to make sure you are allowed to keep Angel. Next, contact the local veterinary clinic and ask for the contact information of nearby wildlife rehabilitator. If you are legally prohibited from keeping wildlife, a rehabber will give Angel the best chance at treatment and recovery. If you are allowed to keep Angel, a rehabber should be able to direct you to a veterinarian who may be able to help out. Any discount or assistance would be at the sole discretion of the veterinarian or specialist.

If he is continually bleeding, then it's best to get him to a vet as soon as possible, because they can't afford to lose too much blood. If the bleeding has stopped and he is eating/drinking OK, then you can wait for 24 hours and see if there is any improvement with how he holds his wing. Sometimes they initially will hold it like this and it will shake due to the pain and not a fracture. If it doesn't seem better after a day, then I would get it checked out by a veterinarian to see if there is any serious damage. I hope that helps and Rainbow gets better soon.

Thanks for sending the picture. i would not worry about wrapping the wing, but I would follow up with a veterinarian soon. Trauma to the wing is repaired better earlier than later. Make sure your pet bird is still eating well. Good luck.