Bumblefoot Question (Photos)

[KaleIAm]

I meant to ask you something! I hope that’s okay.

I just put new large flake pine shavings in their actual run for the time being while we decide what type of ground cover to use for the winter. I know the shavings are a poor permanent option because they’ll just get soaked, but it was an impulse lol.

Why did you ask if I had the shavings in the coop? Did your vet say that’s okay? I had so many that I ended up filling their coop with it too. It seems really

It's absolutely ok. Ask away. I hope my experience can help your ducks.

I asked because I used to use wood shavings. They worked so well and seemed soft to me. I used to hang out in there with my ducks in the evening and I thought it was quite cuddly.

But my vet told me NO!! She said to only use hay or straw (and to put down about 4 inches of it) - as it is the most like what wild ducks stand in in a natural environment. She also said sand is ok for feet, but we were both worried about them eating it and becoming impacted.

She explained to me that while wood chips seem soft to me, to small duck feet it is like standing on a hard board for hours. When I thought about the proportions it made sense.

I don't know if it was getting rid of the pea gravel/river rocks or the wood chips that helped. But I've used straw or hay ever since. The wood chips were easier and needed less frequent clean up - but not having any foot issues has been 100% worth it.

 

[AzDuck]

It's absolutely ok. Ask away. I hope my experience can help your ducks.

I asked because I used to use wood shavings. They worked so well and seemed soft to me. I used to hang out in there with my ducks in the evening and I thought it was quite cuddly.

But my vet told me NO!! She said to only use hay or straw (and to put down about 4 inches of it) - as it is the most like what wild ducks stand in in a natural environment. She also said sand is ok for feet, but we were both worried about them eating it and becoming impacted.

She explained to me that while wood chips seem soft to me, to small duck feet it is like standing on a hard board for hours. When I thought about the proportions it made sense.

I don't know if it was getting rid of the pea gravel/river rocks or the wood chips that helped. But I've used straw or hay ever since. The wood chips were easier and needed less frequent clean up - but not having any foot issues has been 100% worth it.

Oh my gosh! Ugh. Of course I just put them all down haha. It seemed so soft, dang it!!

I have to ask, how in the world did you find a vet that knew so much!!?? Are they an avian vet? I wish we had one here.

They will have tonight on the shavings, but I’ll get some hay tomorrow when I’m off work. What kind of hay do you use? We have some bermuda for our horses right now or I can go buy something new for them tomorrow. Maybe I’ll top the shavings with the hay that could work. Then the shavings can help absorb some of the nasties. How often do you change your hay?

 

[AzDuck]

It's absolutely ok. Ask away. I hope my experience can help your ducks.

I asked because I used to use wood shavings. They worked so well and seemed soft to me. I used to hang out in there with my ducks in the evening and I thought it was quite cuddly.

But my vet told me NO!! She said to only use hay or straw (and to put down about 4 inches of it) - as it is the most like what wild ducks stand in in a natural environment. She also said sand is ok for feet, but we were both worried about them eating it and becoming impacted.

She explained to me that while wood chips seem soft to me, to small duck feet it is like standing on a hard board for hours. When I thought about the proportions it made sense.

I don't know if it was getting rid of the pea gravel/river rocks or the wood chips that helped. But I've used straw or hay ever since. The wood chips were easier and needed less frequent clean up - but not having any foot issues has been 100% worth it.

Also, what the heck do you keep in their run? Mine will just be dirt after I clean up the shavings.

 

[KaleIAm]

Oh my gosh! Ugh. Of course I just put them all down haha. It seemed so soft, dang it!!

I have to ask, how in the world did you find a vet that knew so much!!?? Are they an avian vet? I wish we had one here.

They will have tonight on the shavings, but I’ll get some hay tomorrow when I’m off work. What kind of hay do you use? We have some bermuda for our horses right now or I can go buy something new for them tomorrow. Maybe I’ll top the shavings with the hay that could work. Then the shavings can help absorb some of the nasties. How often do you change your hay?

I know, the shavings do seem soft. I really didn't believe my vet that it would make a difference. But... On to your next question, yes! They are avian vets! Three of them in one clinic! I'm so lucky. So when they tell me to do something, I do it.

I also used to work for an exotic vet, but it was 18 years ago and I had a concussion since so my memory is a bit fuzzy. One thing I do remember is that repeatedly exotic animals were getting ill because of husbandry. Substrate, lighting, diet, ECT. So after my ducks were getting sick I made an appointment with their vet without them and talked about their environment and what I could do to improve it.

I actually use straw. It is about 1/3 the cost of hay. But the vet said I could use either. I change it out weekly. My ducks have a huge room in the barn.... Maybe 10x10 and only 3 ducks. If you have a smaller room/more ducks you might need to do it more frequently. Wood chips on the bottom with a thick layer of straw or hay on the top isn't a bad idea! Just make sure you change the straw/hay often. I skipped a weekend change once after a hard work week and the next weekend I found a moldy patch. I've been using sweet pdz lately and I think that helps with the moisture? The vets also told me to take a pitchfork and mix up the straw/hay daily so the wet spots get exposed to the air and don't grow funky stuff all week.

 

[KaleIAm]

Also, what the heck do you keep in their run? Mine will just be dirt after I clean up the shavings.

Just dirt and grass. I replant the grass every spring since they dig around in it. It is also large. Maybe 30x20.

 

[AzDuck]

I know, the shavings do seem soft. I really didn't believe my vet that it would make a difference. But... On to your next question, yes! They are avian vets! Three of them in one clinic! I'm so lucky. So when they tell me to do something, I do it.

I also used to work for an exotic vet, but it was 18 years ago and I had a concussion since so my memory is a bit fuzzy. One thing I do remember is that repeatedly exotic animals were getting ill because of husbandry. Substrate, lighting, diet, ECT. So after my ducks were getting sick I made an appointment with their vet without them and talked about their environment and what I could do to improve it.

I actually use straw. It is about 1/3 the cost of hay. But the vet said I could use either. I change it out weekly. My ducks have a huge room in the barn.... Maybe 10x10 and only 3 ducks. If you have a smaller room/more ducks you might need to do it more frequently. Wood chips on the bottom with a thick layer of straw or hay on the top isn't a bad idea! Just make sure you change the straw/hay often. I skipped a weekend change once after a hard work week and the next weekend I found a moldy patch. I've been using sweet pdz lately and I think that helps with the moisture? The vets also told me to take a pitchfork and mix up the straw/hay daily so the wet spots get exposed to the air and don't grow funky stuff all week.

Thank you for taking the time to write all this info! I appreciate it more than you know. I love my ducks so much, as as much research as I did, it never has felt like enough. I have a lot to learn still. I’m oh so very jealous about your avian vets! We don’t have any around here, but I know of one that will at least see them in an emergency (which I’m thankful for).

I’m so sorry about your concussion, but you’re doing GREAT for a fuzzy memory. Loads of info and helpful knowledge. You also sound like an absolutely wonderful duck mom!!

 

[KaleIAm]

How are your ducks doing?

 

[AzDuck]

How are your ducks doing?

They still have their little bumbles, but they haven’t gotten any worse! We are still figuring out a more permanent option for their run as well. Of course as soon as we lay the hay down it decide to rain for 3 days straight lol.
Thank you so much for checking! Even with their little foot issues, no one is limping, and everyone seems in really good spirits

I hope you and your flock are doing well!

 

[KaleIAm]

They still have their little bumbles, but they haven’t gotten any worse! We are still figuring out a more permanent option for their run as well. Of course as soon as we lay the hay down it decide to rain for 3 days straight lol.
Thank you so much for checking! Even with their little foot issues, no one is limping, and everyone seems in really good spirits

I hope you and your flock are doing well!

At least they aren't getting worse or limping!

My ducks are doing great, thank you!