Bumblefoot question

[OwlLover]

What happens if bumblefoot is left untreated? I mean, no one in my flock has it, but in the future, what will happen if I don't do surgery on it? Thanks!!

 

[TigerLilly]

That's a good question. Usually people post after they have a problem--way to be pro-active!
I'd also be interested in the answer to this.

 

[kittycooks]

Left untreated, bumblefoot infection can get into the bones and cripple the bird. A sick/injured bird is also at risk of being pecked to death by the rest of the flock.

 

[OwlLover]

Thanks. I don't really have the heart to do surgery on anyone (but thankfully no one's caught it yet- knock on wood

)

 

[kittycooks]

I had never heard of it until we noticed marble sized sores on the top of my wyandotte's feet. If you check their feet regularly you can catch any infection early. As I read about it, I also learned that the perches and roosts for heavy bodied birds should only be 18 inches from the ground. I lowered mine immediately!

 

[OwlLover]

Quote:
Thanks for the tips. I don't have heavy birds (heaviest the andalusian,) but I'll keep that in mind! I'm not sure if my coop is 18 inches high, though...