Broken Leg:
A bird with a broken leg will usually not put any weight on the foot, and the leg may be held at an odd angle. There may or may not be bleeding or swelling visible. The best treatment is bandaging by a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine, since it is easy to get a bandage too tight and cut off circulation to the leg. Inadequate bandaging can also prevent the fracture from healing properly, so it is best not to attempt to treat broken bones yourself. The bird may have trouble moving around in the cage, so it may be necessary to remove all perches and place food and water in shallow dishes on the floor. If the bird is very stressed, it may be best not to take it in immediately for treatment unless there is bone protruding from the skin. If the skin is intact, it is possible to wait until the next day to have the leg bandaged. Keep the bird in a warm quiet area and avoid excessive handling as this can cause more pain and stress.
Broken Wing:
Broken wings are generally not as serious an emergency as broken legs, since the bird can usually sill move around the cage to eat and drink. However, if there is bleeding or exposed bone, it should be treated as soon as possible. The bird may not be able to hold the wing in a normal position against the body. As with other fractures, it is not recommended that an inexperienced person attempt to bandage the wing, since it must be properly aligned and loose enough to allow circulation.
Broken Toes:
A broken toe may not require treatment if there is no bleeding and the bird is able to use the foot to walk and climb. Sometimes the stress of wearing a bandage that must cover most of the foot and part of the leg is worse than leaving the toe untreated. Check with your avian veterinarian to determine what would be the best for your bird's situation.
