Hi
About a year and a half ago we found a pheasant in our garden with a broken/injured leg. He could still get about so I fed him when he came and he made it through the winter. He's been coming back almost daily ever since for food. The leg healed nicely, although he always has a bit of a limp. We call him Mr Phez
Over the last few days though, I noticed he had a cut on his toe (on the injured leg). I saw him yesterday and it looks very swollen, as if there is an abscess there. Before the cut he was very happy and healthy. How likely is he to survive this without treatment? He is still eating but seems very reluctant to put weight on the leg. The thing is, he isn't exactly tame. He is a wild animal and lives in fields. He comes to me for food if he sees me in the garden but will soon run/hop away if I make a move towards him. Do I put him through the stress of catching him next time he comes and ringing the RSPCA or let nature take its course and see what happens? He's in good body condition, nice and plump and seems bright and alert. Would catching him myself and putting saltwater on it help or just cause him more harm? We have a shed he could go in until it heals but would it stress him out to be confined?
Any advice you can offer I would be very greatful. I'd really like to help him because he's managed to survive 2 shooting seasons and a dodgy leg without too much trauma.
Thanks very much
Leanne