Frozen Foot

[drmamabeal]

Ah, help! My chicken has a foot that's frozen. She sounds like a pirate. Still using it to gimp along but it's STIFF. What do I do? try to slowly warm it up? She's hanging with the flock, eating and drinking like nothings wrong. We've never had this problem before in the 3 winters we've had chickens.

thanks!

 

[Wezdin]

I'm guessing that by Sounding like a pirate you mean looking like a pirate? Where does she roost at night?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Soak the limbs (feet, toes and legs) in room temperature Epsom salt water to gradually warm the frostbitten areas. This may take as long as a half hour of soaking. Dry thoroughly and rub bag balm or other salves on those areas. Place the bird in a carrier with bedding, food and electrolytes for chickens along with fresh water, in a warm area with no drafts. Check frequently to make certain the chicken is alert, eating and drinking normally. Examine the frostbite areas for any bleeding or infection. If there is bleeding, apply Blu Kote to prevent pecking, especially if you are treating more than one at a time. An application of Vetericyn will help prevent infection.

 

[drmamabeal]

I'm guessing that by Sounding like a pirate you mean looking like a pirate? Where does she roost at night?

I don't know how she does it since her entire foot is frozen but she's roosting with the others inside the coop. None of the rest have issues.

 

[drmamabeal]

Soak the limbs (feet, toes and legs) in room temperature Epsom salt water to gradually warm the frostbitten areas. This may take as long as a half hour of soaking. Dry thoroughly and rub bag balm or other salves on those areas. Place the bird in a carrier with bedding, food and electrolytes for chickens along with fresh water, in a warm area with no drafts. Check frequently to make certain the chicken is alert, eating and drinking normally. Examine the frostbite areas for any bleeding or infection. If there is bleeding, apply Blu Kote to prevent pecking, especially if you are treating more than one at a time. An application of Vetericyn will help prevent infection.

when you say "in a warm area" would it be okay to bring her inside or would you recommend a garage where the temps are 30ish? Our temps have been below zero at night.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Either one would be fine. I would bring her in tonight into the house until the foot is warmed then place in the garage.

 

[aart]

Warm it slowly.
Please post pics.

IIRC @Wyorp Rock @Eggcessive have experience with this.

 

[drmamabeal]

thank you for the suggestions!

 

[PirateGirl]

IMPORTANT: Once you warm the foot, the chicken cannot go out in freezing temps again until fully healed, thawing and refreezing frostbite causes more severe and irreversible damage.

 

[drmamabeal]

IMPORTANT: Once you warm the foot, the chicken cannot go out in freezing temps again until fully healed, thawing and refreezing frostbite causes more severe and irreversible damage.

Any suggestions on what to do then? She's an outside chicken, though she's not the smartest apple in the bunch.