Bumblefoot

[jritchie77]

Hello, new to this forum and new to Bumblefoot. I have successfully removed the kernels on most of my chickens feet, (I have 4 with it right now!!!! How did I/them become this unlucky?) I did the epsom salt soak, sprayed Vetericyn, applied neosporin, wrapped etc) However, one of them I cannot remove ALL the kernel...will it still heal if the medicine can get in, as some of it is removed. I gave up trying to dig it out I felt terrible poking and prodding for so long. Just want reinsurance that I can still fight the infection if the medicine is getting into the wound?

 

[ChickyCh00k]

Hello! Welcome to BYC.

From my understanding, you will need to remove all of the pus. You can trying putting a drawing salve, like Prid, on the wound and give it 2-3 days then try removing the pus again. It may take a few tries of treating (using the salve to soften the wound and draw the infection out), wrapping, waiting 2-3 days, checking, and so on... I have also seen Dawn Dish Soap recommended to soften and dissolve the "bumble".

Why breed of chickens do you have and how high are your roosts. Also what type of litter is in the coop and how deep? Do you have pics of bumblefoot in question?

If you have heavy breeds and the roosts are too high, they can get bumble foot from jumping off the roost and landing too hard. This can result in small wounds in the feet that then become infected. I'm guessing this might be the case since you have so many birds with it at once.

Most bumblefoot is cause by a staph infection which is why it is important to remove the whole kernel - this is also why it is important to wear gloves when treating as it is possible for humans to contract staph infection from it.

This is a good article on non-surgical treatment:
https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/

And here are a couple of good videos on treating bumblefoot :

 

[ChickyCh00k]

This is a link to the comment about Dawn Dish Soap.

Post in thread 'Is her bumblefoot back or is it a scab??' https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ot-back-or-is-it-a-scab.1625079/post-27761604

 

[jritchie77]

Hello! Welcome to BYC.

From my understanding, you will need to remove all of the pus. You can trying putting a drawing salve, like Prid, on the wound and give it 2-3 days then try removing the pus again. It may take a few tries of treating (using the salve to soften the wound and draw the infection out), wrapping, waiting 2-3 days, checking, and so on... I have also seen Dawn Dish Soap recommended to soften and dissolve the "bumble".

Why breed of chickens do you have and how high are your roosts. Also what type of litter is in the coop and how deep? Do you have pics of bumblefoot in question?

If you have heavy breeds and the roosts are too high, they can get bumble foot from jumping off the roost and landing too hard. This can result in small wounds in the feet that then become infected. I'm guessing this might be the case since you have so many birds with it at once.

Most bumblefoot is cause by a staph infection which is why it is important to remove the whole kernel - this is also why it is important to wear gloves when treating as it is possible for humans to contract staph infection from it.

This is a good article on non-surgical treatment:
https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/

And here are a couple of good videos on treating bumblefoot :

I really appreciate your reply. The one kernel I couldn't remove completely was small, dry and no puss present, it was dried up. I was able to make an opening and get medicine in though. No blood or anything like the others I removed w/ puss. I did not take any pictures and all of them have wrapped feet now. The breeds with Bumblefoot are an Easter Egger, Australorp, Plymouth Rock and a Brahma. I think you are correct...our roost is too high and these are all large hens. I feel terrible that I've caused this. They have soft bed shavings on the floor of their coop that I buy from local farm store; we used these same shavings for our Showpigs that they recommended as they are supposed to be free of mites. (I'm sure they are not completely free of, but supposed to be good) The girls are free range during the day on my two acres. Thank you again for replying I appreciate your help immensely.

 

[ChickyCh00k]

The breeds with Bumblefoot are an Easter Egger, Australorp, Plymouth Rock and a Brahma. I think you are correct...our roost is too high and these are all large hens. I feel terrible that I've caused this.

Yes, those are heavier breeds and they could probably use a lower roost (just make sure it is still higher than the nest boxes!), but don't feel bad - many of us have been there, including me!

If you're able to lower the roosts or provide a "step down perch"/step, it may be helpful in preventing bumblefoot. Mine are at about 20" off the floor (with the 4" side flat) and I also have a "step" that they hop onto (pictured below) -

If you remember when you go to remove/replace bandaging, snap a Pic of the bumble in question (if the piece of kernel is still there) and post it here. People who are much more experienced can chime in with additonal help!

I hope they all heal up nicely! It sounds like you're doing a great job.

Here's a pic of my roosts and "step":