Bad Bumble

[Iva S.]

One if my hens has really bad bumble on both feet and I’m kinda worried. The foot I’m worried about has the middle toe swollen and the main pad swollen. I can also see black stuff under her foot. She is limping really badly (I’ve noticed her hopping instead of walking), but she doesn’t let that affect her eating/drinking habits and returns to the coop at night. I’ll post pictures soon. I guess my questions are if I need to be worried and is there anything I can do?

 

[Pugsabi]

This can be deadly! Here's an article on how to treat it.
https://www.fresheggsdaily.com/2012/03/bumblefoot.html?m=1

 

[ashlierami]

One if my hens has really bad bumble on both feet and I’m kinda worried. The foot I’m worried about has the middle toe swollen and the main pad swollen. I can also see black stuff under her foot. She is limping really badly (I’ve noticed her hopping instead of walking), but she doesn’t let that affect her eating/drinking habits and returns to the coop at night. I’ll post pictures soon. I guess my questions are if I need to be worried and is there anything I can do?

Sounds like you need to prepare for bumble foot surgery. I've had to do it and it's not as hard as you would think but it takes patience and care. Main thing is removing the kernel from the spot and then supportive care such as keeping the site cleaned and dry. It involves some digging around and yes it will hurt the chicken but they tolerate pain well and it's for the best.i did this to my rooster about 2 months ago and he completely recovered. I would rather you see a more experienced person explain the surgery rather than me since I'm amateur. Research bumble foot surgery and it will show steps and pictures about removal and management.

 

[Iva S.]

 

[ashlierami]

View attachment 1453396 View attachment 1453397

This is bad but I've seen worse so there's still time to save this foot and bird. I think of it as a large zit that needs to pop in order to heal. Under that black spot will be pus blood and the kernel which is the root of this infection. It needs to be removed in order for healing to begin.

 

[Iva S.]

This is bad but I've seen worse so there's still time to save this foot and bird. I think of it as a large zit that needs to pop in order to heal. Under that black spot will be pus blood and the kernel which is the root of this infection. It needs to be removed in order for healing to begin.

I was working at it after I took the picture. So gross. I barely touched it and it immediately started oozing. There wasn’t very much blood and I pulled out some white stringy things and MAYBE the kernel. I doubt it was the kernel, but it was a white chunk. After I treated and wrapped her feet, I moved her inside. I know that’s not a necessary step, but I feel it’s the best way to keep dirt and other stuff out, despite the wrap. (Also, so I can keep an eye on her)

 

[ashlierami]

I was working at it after I took the picture. So gross. I barely touched it and it immediately started oozing. There wasn’t very much blood and I pulled out some white stringy things and MAYBE the kernel. I doubt it was the kernel, but it was a white chunk. After I treated and wrapped her feet, I moved her inside. I know that’s not a necessary step, but I feel it’s the best way to keep dirt and other stuff out, despite the wrap. (Also, so I can keep an eye on her)

Was the large chunk hard? The one I removed from my rooster was hard like a rock and resembled an actual kernal of corn it was yellow and hard. Also the stringy stuff is normal I took notice it's that way close to the kernal. If possible squeeze it and see what comes out. That's how I got my roos kernal to pop out. His foot healed within a week. I cleaned it each night before he roosted since that was when it would do it's most healing. Each day I would apply alcohol or betadine. Then dry it and pack on antibiotic ointment and wrap it. Since your girl was having trouble walking I understand you moving her inside she does need rest and to heal. Also there's the worry the other birds (if you have them) would pick at her wrap. I think you did great.

 

[Iva S.]

Was the large chunk hard? The one I removed from my rooster was hard like a rock and resembled an actual kernal of corn it was yellow and hard. Also the stringy stuff is normal I took notice it's that way close to the kernal. If possible squeeze it and see what comes out. That's how I got my roos kernal to pop out. His foot healed within a week. I cleaned it each night before he roosted since that was when it would do it's most healing. Each day I would apply alcohol or betadine. Then dry it and pack on antibiotic ointment and wrap it. Since your girl was having trouble walking I understand you moving her inside she does need rest and to heal. Also there's the worry the other birds (if you have them) would pick at her wrap. I think you did great.

Yes, it was hard and off-white. I squeezed it plenty and plenty came out. I’ll do the same thing for her as you did for your roo. I do have other birds. Thank y’all for helping and for the reassurance! If anything changes, I’ll post here again.

 

[ashlierami]

Yes, it was hard and off-white. I squeezed it plenty and plenty came out. I’ll do the same thing for her as you did for your roo. I do have other birds. Thank y’all for helping and for the reassurance! If anything changes, I’ll post here again.

Then you may have got the kernal! Just keep it clean and it should scab over and close up within a few days. Just don't use peroxide, it will eat away at the repairing tissue. I also would wash his foot with a antibacterial soap and warm water before I would do the other cleaning.

 

[Iva S.]

Update: I don’t think it’s getting better... there’s a “crack”, as I can best describe it, in her foot now. What do I do? I got a whole bunch more puss out. Starting to get worried...