Frostbite

[LaurenRitz]

I noticed that there's a lot of discussion of frostbite but not many visuals.

This is my 8 week old Black Australorp. Last week the temperature here got down to -7 f, or -23 c. Because the chicks are different ages and sizes I hadn't let them out into the run yet, so their water was still in the coop.

I noticed yesterday that she was lying down a lot and limping when she walked so I brought her in.

The ends of her toes are clearly deteriorating where the black is. The first picture is the top of her foot, and the second is the bottom. The other foot is also frostbit (visible at the bottom of the first picture) but does not appear to be severely damaged.

I have soaked her feet in Epsom salts and sprayed her feet with an antiseptic. The division between good and bad is much clearer this morning.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Poor little thing.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things. How much of the foot she keeps is yet to be seen.
You may find the thread by @Allsfairinloveandbugs helpful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/matilda-is-going-to-lose-her-feet.1454933/

 

[Chickeeaholic]

I noticed that there's a lot of discussion of frostbite but not many visuals.

This is my 8 week old Black Australorp. Last week the temperature here got down to -7 f, or -23 c. Because the chicks are different ages and sizes I hadn't let them out into the run yet, so their water was still in the coop.

I noticed yesterday that she was lying down a lot and limping when she walked so I brought her in.

The ends of her toes are clearly deteriorating where the black is. The first picture is the top of her foot, and the second is the bottom. The other foot is also frostbit (visible at the bottom of the first picture) but does not appear to be severely damaged.

I have soaked her feet in Epsom salts and sprayed her feet with an antiseptic. The division between good and bad is much clearer this morning.

Thanks for the post and photos. Good you’re looking out for her I hope she heals up well. Chickens are amazingly resilient.

 

[LaurenRitz]

Poor little thing.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things. How much of the foot she keeps is yet to be seen.
You may find the thread by @Allsfairinloveandbugs helpful.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/matilda-is-going-to-lose-her-feet.1454933/

Yeah, I read that one yesterday.

 

[sybonbon]

Oh no. This would break my heart. I hope all goes well.

 

[LaurenRitz]

Picture from this morning. The bottom of her feet look better as well, but I couldn't get a picture. Not good, but better. The black line is likely where her toes will fall off.

You can see that the big scabs between her toes are better. One has fallen off, the other is loose.

 

[Eggcessive]

She might lose the toe tips on the right foot. The left foot from the first pics of the bottom, and the swelling today could mean that she loses much of the left foot. I hope not, but taking pictures every day or two will document this. She could still get around with one mostly normal foot.

 

[LaurenRitz]

The swelling has gone down considerably, and she appears to have new skin growing under the scabs. I'll try to get a picture of the bottom next time she gets her "bath."

 

[LaurenRitz]

Here are some bad pictures of the bottom of the foot. I seem to have a hard time holding a struggling bird and working a camera at the same time.

 

[Eggcessive]

This is probably a good case for daily warm soaks to the feet for a few days. Betadine can be added to the water or you can use Epsom salts or table salt. Don’t massage the feet or legs though.