what is this????

[TheFinchMan101]

i have this gouldian finch with some black thing on his toe, im not sure what it is, but it looks really painful and whenever he perches he always keeps the leg up under his belly. can someone please tell me what it is and what i should do with it, thanks.

[Buzzard-1]

Bit hard to tell from pic but it looks like a scabbed over injury to me all I'd be doing is spraying a bit of Terramycin (Oxytetracycline) on it.

[TheFinchMan101]

thanks. one more question, do i just get this from a vet or chemist because i would not have a clue where to get it from ????

[Diane]

I agree with Buzz, its probably just a scab.
Are you able to get the leg under a magnifying glass at all, just to be sure he hasn't got anything fastened around it?

[Buzzard-1]

Try a Vet I get mine from AG and Vet Supplies here but I'm rural. As BB said have a good inspection to make sure nothing is wrapped around it.

[TheFinchMan101]

i just took a closer inspection and it looks like a really big blood clot or gangrene on the end of the toe just before the nail.

[Myzomela]

It looks like the end of the toe has been severely damaged.
If it's full thickness then the bird will lose the end of its toe. This shouldn't affect it adversely.
In canaries they talk about ergot poisoning causing the ends of the toes to drop off. However, it's the wrong time of the year for ergot to form.
If it is dry then applying anything topically is unlikely to change what happens. You can try antibiotic ointment, but aloe-vera gel will probably work just as well.

If the bird is otherwise ok then don't worry too much- just watch it and make sure it's not progressive.

[TheFinchMan101]

Thanks myzomela, I will try and do the best I can to save this little guys toe. I'm sure we have aloe Vera gel somewhere in the house so I'll likely try and use that.

[jusdeb]

Do you have any growing ? Or know anyone ?

Best first aid medicine ever ... tip . get a plant , throw it into a pot and have it on standby not just for the birds but for humans , dogs .

Just use the gel and not the leaf .

[monotwine]

LOL Jusdeb my miracle plant is Bulbine frutescens, http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantab/bulbinefrut.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. Fantastic little decorative garden succulent and works like a charm as an antiseptic too. Just like Aloe, but easier to grow and far more prolific with its leave/gel production.

Finchman, one of my Gouldians had a very similar looking injury. I put it down to the nasty little shrike that occassionally comes to my aviary. If the birds are new and not quick enough he gets a bite in. On the plus side my birds foot recovered 100%. Best wishes for your birds recovery.