Smallish adult feral Hen ( lives inside here now)...somehow, had 'dry gangrene' of the Leg...Leg dried out and eventually fell off naturally, and, the stump is covered in healthy Skin.

This happened Months ago.

She gets along well...hops-along...manages well...flys perfectly with good take-offs and good landings.


Anyway, I noticed she was not feeling well...symptoms suggested Canker, so, into a Convelescent Cage as of four days ago, and on meds...things seem to be resolving nicely...happened to occur to me tonight, maybe she'd like a Prosthetic Limb?


So...I made a very casual one, got it to stay on alright, and, she's been 'BEAMING'...she really likes it...

Standing on both Legs, putting weight on it...it's so sweet...


I'll try and get a picture tomorrow.

Haven't seen her 'walk' on it yet...but, she's standing with it, having weight on it...so...


Just an experiment...so far so good...


I'm sure having only one Leg to stand on all the time has be tiring/trying...




Phil
Lv

Can't wait to see the photos Phil. I'm very curious as to how it stays on the pij.

Yes, I would really like to see pictures.

Hi Phil,

I'm glad to hear that your little feral is feeling a bit better with her illness. I'd also very much like to see a photo of her with her new experimental prosthetic limb. It was very good of you to be so thoughtful of her overall physical and emotional well-being with regards to her disability by making this new leg for her.

Hi Phil, that is so neat....and I am sure the Pigeon is a happy camper now...looking forward to seeing the pictures and glad she is doing better.

ME TOO!!

Phil IS quite the Pigeon Whisperer! I sure hope her "leg" works well for her! There have been different kinds of prosthetic devices for birds and animals. Just takes some talent and imagination!

Sending loving healing warm fuzzies for her, Phil, with Love and Hugs to you both

Shi

Maybe get a pic to-morrow...


Had it lightly Taped on...stayed pretty good till this evening, then got loose...


Maybe 'Denture Cream'?


Anyway...she likes her new Leg...and even though it is a very simple one, she was getting used to it fast, and hobbling around today.



Ohhhhhhhhhhhh...boy...long, fun day...time for all the little Beaks to get some sleep...



Phil
Lv

'New' Leg is made from a short piece of Clear, soft, flexible, heavy-wall, Plastic Tubing...is Heat-Bents lightly, has long 'V' slits on the socket End, and an internal padded 'stop', and is held on to upper Leg Feathers with Tape.

Hi Phil,

Interesting prosthetic you've got going there! Is the stump going about 2/3 of the way down the tube? I bet the poor bird enjoys being able to stand on equal footing anyway so that it's not hobbling about or having to sit all the time. How does the pigeon make out on harder surfaces while trying to walk? Can't really see the padded stop you've incorporated though.

Nice work, I guess this pigeon will remain unreleasable and you will have to continue adjusting the prosthetic as necessary?

Yes....still studying it...

Seems comfortable...she's still getting over a Canker trouble, and, once back in the free-fly area, present Prosthesis would likely fall off, and fast..!

I will try other things also...and, see about longer-term adhesion.


She got along really well with 'one' Leg...but, I know she'd be happierif I could get this one worked out.


Yeahhhh...to be kind, I'd say "un-release-able"

Nice going, Phil!! You and Pidgey should get together. He seems to like to "experiment" in the prosthesis area. Even toyed with the idea of a prosthetic wing for Squeaks. But difficult to do without a bird in the hand...

Wish little "one leg" all the BEST with Love and Hugs

Shi and Mr. Squeaks

Hi Phil,

Thanks for posting your photo of this sweet little pigeon. It looks really great and she appears to look very comfortable with it.

This may give you some ideas:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/4977972.stm

Thanks plamenh,



Very helpful indeed!



An articulated, deferentially sprung Prosthesis would be ideal.


I will be brooding on it...


Phil
Lv