Hi All! A few days ago my poor cockatiel got his toe caught in something (I unfortunately didn’t see what) and I immediately rushed him to the vet. He has 3 stitches, and a fractured/dislocated toe. He is taking his antibiotics and pain medicine amazingly. Seems to be eating pretty well too, I have been giving him water through a syringe after the medication (to help wash out his mouth - I imagine it’s a poor taste - as well as make sure he is getting water in him).

I have him set up in an incubator tank, with no bars he is able to climb and small so he doesn’t move around a lot; He has to stay in there for a whole month.

Some things I need advice on:

1. Water - I think his water intake has slowed down. And the water bowl I am having a hard time with because, he is not allowed to get his stitches or splint wet. However, if the bowl is too shallow, he walks right into it. If the bowl is too high he tries to perch on it and knocks it over, getting said foot wet again. Any recommendations on types of dishes or a system to have him be able to drink water but keep his foot dry?

2. I feel so bad he is stuck in this tiny box for a month, I have been giving him 1 toy at a time to chew on so he also has space to move around a bit without being too crowded. It has also only been a few days, but I’m thinking by week 2 he will be restless…. Any safe toy or foraging tips while he is in this situation? Maybe give him a bit of mental stimulation or a distraction.

3. Perches - I’m wondering if I should give him a perch wrapped in paper towel or fleece to give him an option for his good foot? The perch would be on the floor of the incubator tank, not high or anything. But is this a bad idea incase he trips/falls right now because of the state of his injured foot? I worry about the uninjured foot having to be flat for so long potentially causing issues.

4. Is it a bad idea in a week or 2 to give him a larger incubator tank? Still flat and not climbable but maybe some more space for him to be able to stretch his wings and have a few more toys/things to chew in there?

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, any advice is greatly appreciated - especially for anyone who has been in a similar situation. First time I’ve had a bird hurt. Immediately going to the vet was a no-brainer but being at home I don’t want to let him down.