post-injury observation - what for?

[strudel]

One of my weiros has hurt her toe/broken her toenail off. It wasn't a clipping accident, so I'm not really sure how it happened or what "bits" were involved. It's stopped bleeding and she is just sitting there now looking a bit "sorry for herself".

I searched online and found info to stop the bleeding (which I already knew about) and it said to observe for other signs. What do I need to watch for? She's not really tame, so manhandling her again to take her to the vet might cause her more grief rather than less. How long until they "bounce back" from things like this and what are the really bad things to watch for? Anything I can give her to make her feel better?

Thanks

 

[Terry57]

Oh, I hope she feels better soon! I was reading today that cayenne pepper can act as a pain killer for birds...maybe you could google that to see what you think?

 

[Megapixel]

Mostly you want to watch the wounded area for swelling, redness and other signs if infection. Watch to make sure the ability to use that foot doesn't decrease.

My late blue-crown conure ripped the nail off of one of my cockatiels many years ago and it really wasn't a problem at all.

 

[BoomBoom]

Sorry to hear this! You can also get styptic powder from Petsmart for cheap. It stops the bleeding. I haven't personally encountered this so I'm not sure how long before they bounce back from it.

 

[strudel]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the cayenne.

Watch to make sure the ability to use that foot doesn't decrease.

I watched her to see first off (if it looked broken or something, I'd have taken her to the vet). She does seem able to use it (put it around the perch) it just seems to be the nail that is affected, but other times she'll hold that finger out, or hold her foot up. I'm just worried about her, of course. I just wish she was tame so I could pet her. It's worse with somebody who hates you compared to the cuddly pets.

EDIT: I think she's ok. She perked up a bit this afternoon, had some millet and some other treats I put in there, moved about and got on her swing, as usual. Hope she doesn't get an infection or anything.