What do I need for bumblefoot surgery?

Well, compadres, after having chickens for nine years, and never having to deal with bumblefoot once, it appears that my luck has run out. I noticed during cuddle time this week that one hen had the tell-tale black scab on her foot, and so I frantically checked the other birds to see two more early cases of bumblefoot. Thankfully, nobody is limping or having any bad swelling (yet) so hopefully it's early enough to fix. I've seen the tutorials, I'm more or less prepared to do the surgery... but what do I really, really need?

Some people say to soak the feet in salt water. What kind of salt? Where do I get it? Some say to cut the scab itself, and some cut around it and pull it all off. What should I do? Does size of the bird matter? (There are two bantam wyandottes and a BSL that need the surgery!) How do I wrap the foot, exactly? Do I use gauze, or vet wrap? Scalpel, or razor blade? Can I spray the foot with blukote after the surgery, or is an ointment better?

I've read all the online tutorials, so don't just post those and run away. I really do need a solid list of needed items to begin. Thanks!

i don't do surgery but have discovered this technique, works better and less invasive - you can find epsom salt poultice at the feed store

artsyrobin said:

i don't do surgery but have discovered this technique, works better and less invasive - you can find epsom salt poultice at the feet store

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Oh! Oh oh oh what a good idea! I do have a tendency to faint at the sight of blood, so that might actually be a good thing to try. I'll visit the local feed store today!