Bantam rooster lost a foot

[lcorson]

Hello,

A couple of months ago I noted that one of my bantam roosters was hobbling around and one of his feet looked like it was shriveling up. Well sure enough I went out a couple of weeks ago and found that foot had self-amputated. He seems to be getting around fine. Just went out to change their bedding and noted that his other foot is doing the same thing! None of the other hens/rooster are having this issue. I can find no sores or open areas (I know some may be very small and not visible to the human eye) What could be causing this? I feel so horrible for him! We take good care of them and are baffled by this whole thing. An avian vet said it could be osteomyelitis (inflammation of the bone) but didn't recommend anything other than to watch him. Any thoughts?

Laurel

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC. More than likely it was frostbite that are taking the feet off. This winter there were so many posts on BYC about frostbitten toes, feet, and combs/wattles--more so than in the past. You can do a search here on BYC at the top of the page, but here is a similar thread about a banty that lost both feet: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/842760/frost-bitten-feet