CORRECTING ROLLED TOES
The toes of ostrich occasionally roll to one side. This is often the result of either incubation conditions or less than ideal flooring for the young birds during brooding. Although this is not a life threatening situation, it is not desirable and will often influence the price and value of the birds. The situation can be easily corrected.
We wait until he birds are at least 2 weeks old before attempting to correct these rolled toes. At this age the birds are usually active, eating, and mobile enough to attempt to correct this situation while younger birds may become more easily stressed.
Place the toe that is rolled on a flat wooden stick (tongue depressor) and position it so that is it correctly aligned. Wrap the toe in this position with non-sticky tape (VetRap) being sure that it is aligned correctly. Place a second stick at the front of the first one forming a "T" and fasten the two sticks together with tape. The bird can now be placed back with other similar aged birds and allowed to walk on this "T" for one or two days. This is usually sufficient to correct most situations. Try to keep the bandage dry and free of fecal material. If additional correction is still needed, repeat the procedure, never allowing the wrap to be on for more than a few days. Do only one toe at a time on birds with multiple problems.