Fitting Pigeon Foot Splints
Find the best shaped foot splint that fits your Pigeons foot.
Get someone to hold the Pigeon so you can easily access the feet. Getting someone to hold the pigeon up to there chest is usually the best way.
Using 12mm Micropore tape, tape each toe to the Splint, you want it attached firm but not tight. Tweezers can be helpful whilst doing this. Tape can also be put over the ankle and around under the splint to pull the foot into the splint.
The foot should be flat into the splint, there should be no gap between the heal of the foot and the splint.
Leave the splint on for 3 weeks.
After 3 weeks remove the foot splint and monitor the foot for 1 week.
If after 1 week of monioring the foot is still not right or it has curled back up more time is needed and the splint can be put back on for a bit longer but we recommend giving the foot a break every few weeks.
If possible always try and correct one foot at a time starting with the worst foot first we do not recommend having splints on both feet at the same time as this can cause the bird balance problems.
Remember you want the splint attached firm but not tight, you do not want to cut off the blood supply. If at any point you notice the foot starting to change colour or feel cold compared to the other foot remove the splint immediately.
While the splint is on always keep the bird on a flat surface and away from any obstacles that could trap the foot. We recommend keeping them in a crate or pet carrier whilst splints are on and cleaning out as often as possible to avoid droppings sticking to the foot splint.