bumblefoot and broody hen

[corrae]

HI, I'm new to the forum and have already learned so much from everyone's posts! I've got a couple questions: First, I've got a hen with bumblefoot--I caught it early, soaked, cleaned, dried, bandaged, isolated and she's on antibiotics. She's much improved. My dilemma is that it looks like I've got a bunch of other hens with the same thing--and I'm at my wit's end at the prospect of 20 hens in isolation (I have no idea how I could even manage that--) but my main question is why is this happening? They free range--and yes, we've got a gravel driveway--which is the only cause I can think of. However, they've been out and about since about March. Am I going to have to keep them penned--which is, of course, NOT the solution I want to hear. Will their feet toughen up eventually? The Wyandotte pullets seem to be the most affected--but I've got my eye on a Orpington whose foot seems a little "off." My second question is about an Orpington pullet who's been broody for, oh, about 2 months now. My Cochins have gone broody, realized the futility, and have come out of it--but this Orp is determined. She has NO eggs near her, I rouse her from the box several times a day, I lock her out for a few hours daily, but she shows no signs of giving up..... Any suggestons? Sorry this is so long--hope someone out there can give me some good advice. Thanks so much!
Sharon in NW Colorado

 

[JennsPeeps]

Bumblefoot -
Since all/many of the birds have it, you need to check for the areas where they all go. The most likely culprit is their roost. Is it smooth? It would be a good idea to take it down, scrub it well, sanitize it with a 10:1 water:bleach solution, sand (if necessary), and put it back.


Broodiness -
Put her in a dog crate with no litter. She will NOT like it. It will break her in time.