FLOCK OF FINCHES
Birds are easier to care than any four-legged pet. Without many demands, they can make a wonderful addition to households and be great companions
Can I move a bird's nest with eggs in it, because I sense danger?
It is a myth that parent birds abandon their young ones or eggs if they've been touched by a human. Birds do not have a strong sense of smell. They rely on their eyes and ears for locating their nests. However, if a bird senses the danger of predation they prefer not to spend energy on protecting the nest and, instead, abandon the nest. If you sense danger, you can relocate the nest to a safer region. Observe closely to ensure that the birds find their way back to the nest and then leave it undisturbed so that they can feel safe in it.
How do I heal the wounded leg of a bird?
Step 1: Wrap the bird in a towel gently. Make him feel relaxed and comfortable.
Step 2: Pull out the injured leg very gently, covering the rest of the body in a towel.
Step 3: Wrap the gauze around the injured leg bone, to cover the injury. It can be above or below the joint.
Step 4: Use a cotton swab, a popsicle stick or a piece of cardboard as the splint. It should be completely of the size of leg, to provide the support. Place the splint along one side of the leg.
Step 5: Wrap around the splint the same as you did with the gauze. It should be comfortable and not overly tight. You do not want the blood circulation to be cut off.
Step 6: Place the bird in a small crate so it won't move the leg and cause further injury.
Step 7: Visit an avian veterinarian for a proper splint and further exam to determine if there are any unseen internal injuries. Find out if you can give any medicines to help the recovery. Feed the bird with grain, fruit etc and keep fresh water in the enclosure so that it doesn't have to move to find food.
How do I identify internal bleeding in a bird?
Internal bleeding can be caused due to collisions or malfunctioning of the body organs. It is often difficult to identify. If a bird has difficulty in breathing – usually under such circumstances they open and close their beaks since they're using their mouth to breathe – it is probably due to an internal injury. Other signs include an unbalanced walk, inability to keep their head straight up, sleepiness, change in colour of droppings and sometime even bleeding from the mouth. You should rush to the vet if you suspect any kind of internal bleeding.
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