How to Attach Broken Wings

While veterinary care may be the ideal way to help an injured animal, if you discover a bird with a broken wing, you may be able to help on your own. Birds with broken wings are usually grounded, easy to catch, and have one wing hanging lower than the other. Before attempting to catch or pick up a bird, it is important to observe its temperament to avoid personal injury; birds like pigeons and doves are more likely to be docile than owls and hawks.

Things You'll Need

  • Net or box
  • Warm water
  • Heavily diluted iodine solution
  • Antibiotic liquid or cream
  • Gauze
  • Scissors
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Instructions

    • 1

      Capture the bird carefully with hands, a net or box.

    • 2

      Take the bird to a quiet, clean area away from other people or animals that may frighten it.

    • 3

      Wash any open wounds with a heavily diluted iodine solution and apply antibiotic liquid or cream.

    • 4

      Examine the bird's wings and body to determine whether the wing is actually broken or if the bird isn't flying from illness or other injury.

    • 5

      If the wing is in fact broken, cut about a foot of gauze tape for wrapping.

    • 6

      Secure the broken wing against the bird's body in its natural resting position.

    • 7

      Wrap the gauze tape around the bird's body, wrapping under the flap of the healthy wing and over the flap of the broken wing.