Quail With Broken Foot - How Long to Isolate?

[tristanj]

Hello fine people of Backyard Chickens,

My partner recently started keeping coturnix quail. One of our hens had an accident and broke her toe about a week ago. She also has quite a bit of swelling around the ankle. We called every vet and wildlife rehab place in the area for help, but there are no vets in our area who are willing to treat quail. We used the instructions on splinting avian fractures from the International Bird Rescue Research Center to put a shoe on her injured foot. She has been eating, drinking, and pooping like normal. I have noticed occasional panting. She is able to limp around, but avoids putting too much weight on the injured foot.

My main question has to do with keeping her in isolation. She has been alone inside the house since the injury, and today she started chirping like she is calling for other birds. I know quail are highly social and don't do well in isolation. I placed her bin outside next to the coop so she can see and hear the rest of the flock, but it is quite hot out and she has been panting heavily. She has a shallow Tupperware dish of ice in her box with her, and she's been able to snuggle up to that. I can't tell if the panting is just the heat, or if she's stressed about being moved/being outside.

I wish so badly that she could talk. I know being isolated is stressful, but being relocated is also stressful, and it's hot out. Would we be better off keeping her alone inside for another week?

I'm also curious if anyone has had success reintroducing injured birds to their flock. I know it's possible she will always have some weakness in that foot even after it's healed. Will the other birds pick up on that and bully her?

Thank you to anyone who is able to provide insight or advice.

 

[Nabiki]

As long as she has plenty of water, shade, and the ice, she should be okay outside. If you're concerned about the heat, you can keep her outside near the other birds for company in the morning and evening and bring her back inside during the hottest part of the day.

If she always has a limp, introducing her back in to your covey will depend on the disposition of the birds she's joining. Some will be fine with her, some may bully her. If she gets bullied, you might try separating the bullies from the rest of the covey for a couple of days then reintroduce them. That might take care of any picking on that might happen.

 

[tristanj]

Thank you for the help, and the reassurance! She has plenty of all three, and the panting is less frequent now. She's eating and drinking and gently chirping to the other birds.

That is excellent advice about reintroducing her. Thanks again for your prompt and helpful response!