Things You'll Need
Large fish tank
Betadine
Gauze pads
Baking soda, cornstarch or flour
Cotton ball
Medical tape or masking tape
Quality treatment and care can save a dove from an injured or broken wing. There are debates among wildlife rescuers, veterinarians and the public if a bird with a broken wing should be euthanized or nurtured. Many assume that a bird without flight will have trouble escaping predators, finding food and making nests. Unfortunately, this thought has led to the death of many birds and doves. A dove can be released in the wild after the wing is healed, or it can live a comfortable tamed life.
Put a large, empty fish tank in a quiet room. Lay a towel at the bottom of the fish tank.
Place the dove inside the fish tank. Examine the wing for blood and wounds.
Apply betadine on the wounds with a gauze pad, and rinse off with water. Put antibiotic ointment on the wounds. Apply baking soda, cornstarch or flour if there is constant bleeding, and put pressure on the bleeding with a cotton ball.
Cut 12 inches of medical tape or masking tape.
Hold the wing of the dove against its body in a natural position.
Wrap the tape around the outside of the wing and around the body. The midsection of the dove will be wrapped in tape, except the uninjured wing.
Put the dove inside the large fish tank, and change the tape once weekly until healed. The wing will heal in three to four weeks.
Warnings
Set a small water dish at eye level of the dove. A dove with a wrapped wing can easily fall and drown in a large water dish. Do not wrap the bird tightly. Tight wrapping will restrict breathing. It is essential to take the dove to an avian veterinarian to ensure it is in good health.
References
Photo Credits
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David De Lossy/Valueline/Getty Images
Writer Bio
Beth Porter has been a writer since 2008, with strong experience in early childhood education, gardening, home living and crafts. Porter is presently attending college, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in early childhood education at the University of Cincinnati.
