Bumblefoot.....PLEASE HELP!

[4-H DuckQueen]

I have a hen who had bumblefoot, but i didn't know it. I removed the black scab (it was really easy to remove) but I thought that the black scab was a thorn or something. I recently read about bumblefoot and realized that was my hens problem, but where the black scab was is all healed up, however there is still swelling so I think there must be infection still inside her foot....what should I do? Do I need to cut it open or just leave it? Please help.... I am really worried about her.

Right now she is living by herself in a cage where the other girls can see her so she doesn't lose her spot in the pecking order.

Thanks so much!!!!

 

[Judy]

I would get the pus out, myself. You may be able to do this with an Epsom salt soak to avoid cutting. Here are two references that might help.

http://extension.unh.edu/agric/docs/bumblefoot.pdf

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bumblefoot-how-to-treat-your-chickens-with-surgery-graphic-pics

Googling reveals several approaches in different animals.