Bumblefoot and Honey

[DesertBird]

I was recently talking to a nearby farmer about some bumblefoot problems, and they suggested honey as a potential cure (the 100% pure/raw kind). Have any of you ever tried this? If so, did it work? They were saying it helped due to it's natural antibiotic properties, so I'm wondering if it's worth trying in place of possibly antibiotic ointments?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Honey can be used to treat wounds, so I suppose you could use it to pack the wound left from bumblefoot "surgery". I do believe that most people refer to Manuka honey, but have seen suggestions of using organic raw honey.

Personally, I'm cheap. A small tube of generic triple antibiotic ointment can be found for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree

 

[NoFlyBackFarm]

Maybe honey...

 

[DesertBird]

Honey can be used to treat wounds, so I suppose you could use it to pack the wound left from bumblefoot "surgery". I do believe that most people refer to Manuka honey, but have seen suggestions of using organic raw honey.

Personally, I'm cheap. A small tube of generic triple antibiotic ointment can be found for $1.00 at the Dollar Tree

Ooh, Manuka honey? I haven't tried it myself. Is it much different? And I can understand that one. lol Why pay tons for honey if it doesn't work as well?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Ooh, Manuka honey? I haven't tried it myself. Is it much different? And I can understand that one. lol Why pay tons for honey if it doesn't work as well?

No, I have not tried Manuka honey It's expensive!

Honey does work well for covering wounds, so does a sugar pack. I believe there was a thread where someone used it on an injured rooster.
@FlyingNunFarm used sugar.

I just have not heard of using in it for Bumblefoot.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I have used sugar on wounds with great success. Honey is an alternative of the same basic method. It is better in some ways. And some not. My concern with honey on a foot is attracting bugs. I would have that same concern with sugar.
When treating my hen her wound was on her side. I was worried the honey would melt with her body heat and just drip off leaving a gooey mess.
Others that used honey were able to wrap the area better.
If you try honey keep an eye on it. The chickens may appreciate the easy meal of ants right at their feet!

Beware also that with it's popularity Manuka Honey became the "it phrase". Fakes started to appear with the same high price. Good old fashioned raw honey is just fine.

 

[DesertBird]

I have used sugar on wounds with great success. Honey is an alternative of the same basic method. It is better in some ways. And some not. My concern with honey on a foot is attracting bugs. I would have that same concern with sugar.
When treating my hen her wound was on her side. I was worried the honey would melt with her body heat and just drip off leaving a gooey mess.
Others that used honey were able to wrap the area better.
If you try honey keep an eye on it. The chickens may appreciate the easy meal of ants right at their feet!

Beware also that with it's popularity Manuka Honey became the "it phrase". Fakes started to appear with the same high price. Good old fashioned raw honey is just fine.

Good to know, thank you! We've got some great beekeepers nearby who regularly sell their honey 100% natural, so I was wondering if it might work a bit better than antibiotic ointment or at least on the same level.

edit: and yeah, good point on the bugs - luckily my bird doesn't seem too bothered with the bandage and not even a speck of dirt has gotten in it. Hungry bugs, I'm not too sure on.

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

Local honey is even better. The bees will put antibodies to local 'bugs' into the honey. They plan on eating it so they make it to protect themselves from things they could pick up.

 

[ngennetta]

Yes, definitely! I have used honey to pack wounds after removing bumblefoot, and for every skin injury my birds get. I also swear by it to heal wounds on my dog, as well as myself!

I am a beekeeper. Raw honey is your best bet, DO NOT use store bought honey. Find a beekeeper.

Better yet, I prefer to use Medihoney. It is a Manuka honey and a gel, so it stays put a lot better. I get it from amazon>> https://amzn.to/2C2mV8q

 

[DesertBird]

Local honey is even better. The bees will put antibodies to local 'bugs' into the honey. They plan on eating it so they make it to protect themselves from things they could pick up.

Ooh, I've heard that before for allergies.

Yes, definitely! I have used honey to pack wounds after removing bumblefoot, and for every skin injury my birds get. I also swear by it to heal wounds on my dog, as well as myself!

I am a beekeeper. Raw honey is your best bet, DO NOT use store bought honey. Find a beekeeper.

Better yet, I prefer to use Medihoney. It is a Manuka honey and a gel, so it stays put a lot better. I get it from amazon>> https://amzn.to/2C2mV8q

Oh, good to know - thank you! Does it pack better? It doesn't get all sticky?