How would you react if you found that a bird lost its one leg? Would it survive or die? It’s very tragic to see a bird have only one leg and another leg completely missing. But what happens when the bird loses its leg? In the previous article, we discussed can a bird survive with a broken leg. But, in this article, we will discuss can a bird survive with one leg.
How bird loses its leg?
It is not possible to tell exactly how birds lose their leg. But there are some reasons for which they lose their leg. Some of them are:
1. Tangling:
Thread, fishing net, balloon ribbon or any other thing that gets tangled around the bird’s leg and cuts off blood supply to the leg. This causes the leg to fall off.
2. Infection:
Sometimes, a bird’s leg has affected by the infection. Infections cause to stop the blood circulation of the leg. If it could not get proper treatment or care, then it may cause the loss of the leg.
3. Predators:
Hunting predators like foxes, cats, dogs, etc., attack birds. They bite the bird and grip their body or leg. If the bird could not flee, its leg may be broken or twisted off. If the bird could not get proper treatment, once the blood circulation is off and the leg falls off.
4. Trauma:
Trauma occurs due to an accident. The bird might get injured in such cases. Sometimes, the bird might get hurt while flying. When it lands on the ground, it may get injured. Then the injury may lead to the loss of the leg or foot.
5. Deformities:
Deformities occur due to birth defects. Sometimes, deformities affect the legs or feet. These deformities may also lead to the loss of a leg.
Can a bird survive with one leg?
Yes! Birds can live with a single leg. But it needs proper care and attention. A bird with one leg cannot fly properly. So, it needs to be treated well. The following tips are given below that can help a bird survive with one leg:
1. Provide nutrient food and water:
During injury time it needs food and water. Without food, the bird becomes sick and weak. You need to provide nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, eggs, seeds, fish, etc. Water is also important as it helps not to dehydrate the bird. Dehydration can weak the bird immediately and it can die.
2. Medication:
Some birds are born with one leg. They adapt to their disabilities from childhood. But some birds are loses their leg by accident or trauma or any other injury. These types of birds need medication. Medications are used to treat injuries and infections. For this injury, you need to go to the nearest hospital and consult with a specialist veteran. They will give you medications according to the bird’s condition.
3. Do not overfeed:
Carefully handle the bird during feeding time. Do not feed the bird too much at a time. Feeding more than the required amount can make the bird sick. Also, do not let the bird touch anything else except the cage.
4. Take care:
Care should be taken during feeding and cleaning. The bird should be kept away from sharp objects. Sharp objects can injure the bird’s leg. Also, you need to clean the wound regularly. Cleaning prevents bacteria growth and reduces the chances of infection.
5. Feed medicine:
Medicine is very important for the survival of the bird. It is necessary to take care of the bird’s health. Medicines are used to prevent infection and reduce pain. It also helps in wound healing. Some medicines are available in the market but they have side effects. In these situations, you need to consult your vet. They will prescribe you the best medicine for the bird. You need to feed medicine according to the prescription.
6. Taking rest:
Taking rest is very important during the injury period. You need to keep the bird in a safe place where it takes rest and has no fear. Also, you need to ensure that there are no predators that can attack the bird. This way, the bird can recover quickly.
7. Artificial leg:
After the wound heals, you can put on the artificial leg. This type of leg is called a prosthetic leg. Prosthetic legs are made up of different materials like plastic, metal, wood, etc. This prosthetic leg will help the bird walk and move freely.
How long does it take to heal after losing a leg?
It depends upon the severity of the injury. After the injury, the bird needs to be observed carefully. It takes about two to three weeks to heal completely.
Can I use a bandage to cover the wound?
Bandages are used to protect wounds from infections. But using bandages alone won’t heal the wound. Bandages must be applied along with other treatments.
What happens if my bird has an open wound?
If there is an open wound then it may get infected. Infection can cause death. So, it is better to keep the wound covered until healed.
Is it possible to amputate a bird’s leg?
Amputation is a surgical procedure where part of the body is removed. It is done only when the bird is suffering from severe illness.
Final thought:
A bird with one leg can survive easily if it gets proper treatment. A bird with one leg needs special attention while taking care of them. There are many things that you need to know before taking care of such a bird. In this article, we have discussed all the basic information related to birds with one leg.
