Bumblefoot spreading through the flock

[Intheswamp]

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I don't know if this can cross over to a human from a chicken but I say "NO", don't let him help. My brother was a long time kidney patient and eventually a kidney recipient...he definitely had to watch out for things because of a suppressed immune system. A sick chicken just ain't worth the problems that it could cause your father. I wish your father well, my prayers are with him.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Judy]

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I wouldn't want him to do this, no.

 

[JewellFarm]

I go by the old adage, better safe than sorry. I don't think I would take the chance with your dad helping, JMO. Best wishes and prayers for him.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Okay, Dad's out.

Mom's a nurse. Maybe she'll come play doctor...

 

[lavacaw]

I think Mom is a much better option. Best of luck with them.

 

[allison finch]

When I researched bumblefoot, I found a site that mentioned that squared roosts contribute to this problem. Evidently, the edges aggravate the feet, allowing the staph to attack. It said that you need to really round the edges of square wood (2x4's).

It sounds reasonale. Do you folks who are dealing with this have square roosts?

 

[Judy]

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Yes, I have the wide side of a 2x4 for roosts, did not do anything to them, and have never dealt with bumblefoot. Which doesn't mean that this wrong, of course. I've never really looked, but I don't think their feet hang off much, if at all. That's the whole idea of the 2x4, to give them a flat roost, as it is said that they do not like to hang on, as so many other birds do.

I'll have to check out how their feet set on the roost tomorrow night.

I also wonder if this site is saying they turn the board the other way, with the narrow side up.

 

[CityGirlintheCountry]

Yes. Mine are 2x4s turned so the wide side is up. I have considered changing over to round cedar posts. Do we think that's a factor?

 

[allison finch]

Here are a couple of interesting links;

http://www.firststatevetsupply.com/poultry-health/bumblefoot.html

This is the one about squared roosts. Just scroll down to bumblefoot

http://www.geocities.com/KelliAnn293/healthproblems.htm#BumbleFoot


Hope this helps

 

[Judy]

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Personally, I'm staying with my wide side 2x4's. And remember that cedar vapors can be toxic to chickens. Probably cedar posts have enough of the fumes leached out to be safe, but I would think could still be irritating to feet. And I don't see the advantage of a post as it is round. Everything I read says they prefer a flat roost wide enough to support the whole foot. Also preferable in winter so they can rest on their toes, preventing frostbite, if you live in that kind of climate.