Chick with Bumblefoot

[Silkiegirl123]

Hi, I recently got 5 silkie chicks and when I brought them home I was examining them for any health issues and noticed one of them has what seems to be Bumblefoot. Is it possible for young chicks to get Bumblefoot? If so do you know what I can do to help. I’ve so far tried to soak their foot in a warm water epson salt bath but it didn’t help. Please let me know what I should do. Thanks!

 

[Kale the Quail]

you can soak it in Epsom salt and warm water. While it's soaking you can scrub the foot to clean it and soften it. @007Sean or @Kiki probably know more.

 

[coach723]

Pictures would be helpful.

 

[Silkiegirl123]

Here’s some pictures:

 

[coach723]

I think those are probably injuries. Are the chicks in a brooder? Are they walking normally, any indication that they are bothered by it? I think I would try to just treat topically for now. Normally I would put neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment on them and wrap them to protect them, but wrapping them this young might not work well, particularly with the feathered feet to deal with. And keep them on clean, dry bedding. Bumblefoot is just infection, usually staph, that enters a foot wound, so yes it's possible, but not really common when they're this young. Maybe they were kept in less than ideal conditions where they came from, or on wire flooring. Maybe some others will weigh in.

 

[Silkiegirl123]

The chicks are in a brooder With pine shavings on the bottom that I clean daily. I have soaked the chick in an epsom salt bath and will do it again tonight. I’m surprised that the chick doesn’t limp or show any sights of being bothered by the infections. I have also on some neosporin on their foot to help keep it clean since wrapping it didn’t work. Thanks for all the help!

 

[Silkiegirl123]

Update, I’ve been giving the chick epson salt baths daily and I’ve definitely seen an improvement. The bump has gone down a lot and doesn’t look nearly as bad. I will continue giving them epson salt baths until fully healed. Thanks for all the advise!

 

[coach723]

Thanks for updating, I'm very glad they are improving!