Toeless quail

[CovidtimeQuail]

My hen was limping so I separated her to heal. Turns out she's missing 1 toe and the other is bent backward. She hobbles around on the one remaining toe but prefers to be back with her tribe as opposed to being in solitude. The coop is pretty challenging for an able bird but she's lived most of her life in it before the injury. Am I cruel to keep her? What would you do?

 

[Nabiki]

My roommate's button quail lost his two middle toes last month. He's doing well, but he and his family live the indoor life.

I would keep an eye on her and see what her quality of life is. At that point, the decision is yours.

 

[Quailobsessed]

She will probably adapt to living that way. Keep an eye to make sure she's not getting bullied and is able to access food and water.

 

[FloorCandy]

How far back is the remaining injured toe? That might be painful, if it’s really bad, you might consider fast removal with a hotknife if you have one. Having that toe pointing out, banging on things, and maybe even the toe slowly dying, can be quite painful vs a fast removal.

other than that, I think she will adjust, just put all necessities where she can easily reach them. Check your other birds, is something grabbing their toes thru the cage? Is another quail grabbing toes? You should look into the cause so no more toes are lost.

 

[CovidtimeQuail]

How far back is the remaining injured toe? That might be painful, if it’s really bad, you might consider fast removal with a hotknife if you have one. Having that toe pointing out, banging on things, and maybe even the toe slowly dying, can be quite painful vs a fast removal.

other than that, I think she will adjust, just put all necessities where she can easily reach them. Check your other birds, is something grabbing their toes thru the cage? Is another quail grabbing toes? You should look into the cause so no more toes are lost.

I'm pretty sure she miscalculated a ledge and hurt herself. She was limping for about a week before I took her out. I probably should have taken her out earlier, but she seemed to be managing okay.

BTW, she seems happy. Less active, but fine.