Quail: Broken Leg or Bumble Foot?

[hquail]

Hey all, I’m a new backyard quail owner with 10 Pharaoh chicks. This morning, noticed this 5 wk male with a blue foot and blue upper leg. Not sure if bumble foot, a break, or something else. Gave him a warm bath and dried him off, but not sure what to do next. Thank you in advance!

 

[GodLovesU]

@Nabiki may be able to help.

 

[007Sean]

Does it put weight on it or is it holding it up, limping? Does the leg move around like it's broken? Honestly, just looks bruised to me! Could it have gotten it caught on something or jumped down wrong on it?

 

[Nabiki]

I agree with @007Sean It looks bruised to me. If he doesn't put any weight on it, it could also be broken, but from how it looks I would expect it to heal fairly quickly.

 

[Susan Skylark]

Hopefully bruised but check for something wrapped around the upper leg that might be cutting off circulation. Necrosis also possible: cold, stinky, no feeling, bird will be sick. A broken leg will be non weight bearing. A bruised leg will be painful but used, though tenderly. Nerve damage presents as No feeling or unable to move leg (not an issue here, just fyi). If bruised the color will change from red/purple/black to green/yellow over a week or more so don’t panic. A bruised bone can take weeks to heal (if you’ve ever banged your shin you’ll understand). If something is wrapped around the leg, remove and watch to see how much damage there is. Bruise just watch. Broken leg needs deep bedding, minimal movement, easy access to feed and water, protection from other birds for 3-6 weeks. Necrotic leg has poor prognosis and culling should be considered.