Generally, when humans break bones in our bodies we need casts to ensure that the bone heals properly, leaving the bone to heal itself isn’t the best idea. Thankfully our bodies can heal bones as long as we don’t move them around. When our bones break the body creates a blood clot around said broken bone, this keeps it protected and enables the body to send cells that will heal the bone. If you’re curious whether a bird’s broken leg can heal on bones then read on
Unfortunately, birds cannot heal their bones without care from a vet. This type of injury causes the bird to become vulnerable to prey animals which will take advantage of the bird’s immobility. Also because a bird is immobile it will likely starve as it can’t go find food. The bird will need the care of a vet to heal.
Can a bird’s broken leg heal on its own?
Broken bones and deep cuts require the urgent attention of an avian vet so a bird’s broken leg cannot heal on its own.
If left alone, the bird could die of starvation since it is not able to move, or of predation because it cannot flee.
If you’re an avid bird enthusiast you may see a bird injury as an opportunity to learn more about bird injuries and how to help an injured bird.
If you study the bird be careful not to keep the bird in an inhumane condition for long if it is clear that it will not survive.
Can a bird survive with a broken leg?
With proper care, a bird can survive with a broken leg only in captivity.
Birds depend on their legs for feeding, they have to scratch the ground as they look for food, or hold food to cut it into a size they can swallow.
Because of this, they will most likely die of starvation if left in the wild since they cannot find food or break it down to be able to eat it.
Most injuries to a bird’s leg call for amputation for the bird to survive. If the injury is near the toe of the bird, it may have a greater chance of surviving out in the wild.
On a positive note, it is possible to find a bird missing a limb and still surviving in the wild. These birds adapt by learning how to use “tools” to break their food down or find food that they can swallow.
How long does it take for a bird’s broken leg to heal?
A bird’s broken leg will typically take four to ten weeks to heal, depending on the severity of the injury.
Unfortunately, birds born with deformed legs will not heal at all. The same applies to birds with a disease that wears away their limbs.
How can I help a bird with a broken leg?
The most important way to help a bird with a broken leg is to take it to a vet.
You can apply a little first aid to stop the bleeding before you get to the vet. If the bird survives, the vet will give you instructions on how to take care of the wound. You will also have to feed it and protect it from predators.
You may also have to find a way for it to perch less stressfully without one limb.
Do bird bones break easily?
One advantage that birds have over other animals with heavier bones is that they can fly because of their lighter bones.
Unfortunately, light bones are brittle (like a biscuit) and are prone to breaking.
Another pet may playfully grab a bird and easily break its bones in the process. Treat your pet birds like porcelain if you want to avoid losing them.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a bird is left to its own devices it cannot heal its broken leg bone, the bird will need treatment from a vet for it to heal.
If the animal does not get treatment then it will likely starve to death or it will fall prey to a prey animal that will take advantage of the situation.
Birds can only survive if in captivity not in the wild. If given treatment the bird’s leg can heal within four to ten weeks.
Unfortunately, bird bones break easily, when this happens the animal must be taken to the vet.
If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other bird related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: What do birds smell like?, Hydrogen peroxide in a birdbath, helpful or harmful?, Why do birds poop on black cars?, Do birds get constipated?
