Bumblefoot

[Al-D]

It seems to be healing fine-after just two days much better than I expected. It's wrapped with antibiotic so we'll keep an eye on it. It was and still is quite swollen.

 

[lovemy6hens]

 


I would apply antibiotic and keep it wrapped for 4-5 days to keep it clean. The  hen I had was limping and it was really obvious. Another had black spots on her feet but she seems fine and I have left her alone.  I am beginning to suspect that many chickens get it and owners don't know it unless the bird starts limping or they are looking for it. So, it's possible that many birds get over it on their own. Could be wishful thinking on my part.

I agree and my vet does too; some will resolve on their own.

I also agree with you that many more of us are noticing it. Maybe it's because we generally have smaller flocks and maybe we're handling them more often.  My chickens like to snuggle, so it's easier for me to notice small changes.

Although geared toward commercial production, this some good photos and information about bumblefoot but has GRAPHIC PHOTOS: Paws Quality and Foot Health: Causes and Solutions.  On page 12 it states, "Lactobacillus acidophilus increases incidence (biotin competition)."  From what I understand, a lack of biotin in their diet can make them more susceptible to bumblefoot (this page has a summary of dietary needs for poultry: Biotin).
The abstract of "Effect of Lactobacillus Inoculation and Antibiotic Feeding of Chickens on Availability of Dietary Biotin" seems to suggest it's possible (I can't access the full-text version), but everything is geared toward commercial production and I don't understand a lot of it.  Nearly all of the poultry feed available in my area contains probiotics.  Could that be a contributing factor for the increase in bumblefoot cases?  I don't know enough about any of it to judge.

 

[threescompany]

I have come late to this thread but wanted to share this product. It worked well for me with my EE.
http://www.moonlightmileherbs.com/herbaltinctures.html
The bumblefoot tincture is great!

 

[DiamondSwan]

Detailed Vet trip for duck with bumblefoot:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1070739/detailed-vet-trip-for-duck-with-bumblefoot#post_16308358

 

[Attila the Hen]

Detailed Vet trip for duck with bumblefoot:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1070739/detailed-vet-trip-for-duck-with-bumblefoot#post_16308358

poor little Igor.

 

[Attila the Hen]

I agree and my vet does too; some will resolve on their own.

I also agree with you that many more of us are noticing it. Maybe it's because we generally have smaller flocks and maybe we're handling them more often. My chickens like to snuggle, so it's easier for me to notice small changes.

Although geared toward commercial production, this some good photos and information about bumblefoot but has GRAPHIC PHOTOS: Paws Quality and Foot Health: Causes and Solutions. On page 12 it states, "Lactobacillus acidophilus increases incidence (biotin competition)." From what I understand, a lack of biotin in their diet can make them more susceptible to bumblefoot (this page has a summary of dietary needs for poultry: Biotin).
The abstract of "Effect of Lactobacillus Inoculation and Antibiotic Feeding of Chickens on Availability of Dietary Biotin" seems to suggest it's possible (I can't access the full-text version), but everything is geared toward commercial production and I don't understand a lot of it. Nearly all of the poultry feed available in my area contains probiotics. Could that be a contributing factor for the increase in bumblefoot cases? I don't know enough about any of it to judge.

I keep getting knocked off BYC. I thanked you for your research and mentioned that too much protein causes uric acid and is referenced in one of the articles as a problem. I have tried to cut down on BOSS and provide a lot of greens which are scarce here as I live in a forest. I pick grass and chickweed down the road and give them collards and cabbage.
Thank you for your research.

 

[lovemy6hens]

You're welcome, @Attila the Hen. We've been dealing with bumblefoot for seven months now. I see chicken feet with my eyes closed and can now identify each of our girls in photos showing only their foot pads. That should go in the "You know you're a chicken lady when" thread..

 

[1cutechick]

I am battling my own first case of bumblefoot. After you put on the iodine, did you wrap it or just let her go on her merry way? Did you put the iodine both on the top and the bottom? Mine has a large lump on top between her toes and a large scab on the bottom. I am afraid to cut it myself. Thank you.

 

[Amiga]

No wrapping. Is it the same lump? I would put a couple drops on each.

 

[threescompany]

I have had good success with a case of bumblefoot on my EE using the tincture from this company: http://www.moonlightmileherbs.com/poultryproducts.html.