Cyst Like Growth on Chicken Foot

[Pat Moran]

Hi all! I'm new to posting here, however, we've gleaned valuable information from many of you for quite some time (for that, thank you). The pic is a new growth found on one of our chicken's feet. She is an Ameraucana and just over four years old; she went went thru a very heavy molt. Suggestions for what it might be and how to treat? Thought maybe bumble foot but it's on top. Thanks all!

 

[coach723]

Even though it's on top it's still likely bumblefoot. Any break in the skin that lets bacteria in can become bumblefoot. Can be from a cut, scrape, splinter, thorn, etc. It's usually a staph bacterial infection. I would treat it as bumblefoot. Soak the foot for at least 20 minutes to soften it, remove the scab on top and clean out any gunk inside. It's important to get it all out or it will not heal, it will regenerate. Chicken pus is firm, cheesy, not liquid like ours, white to creamy yellow in color. Sometimes it will pop out with some manipulation and squeezing, sometimes you have to dig it out. Pack the hole with plain neosporin or plain triple antibiotic ointment, cover with a small bit of nonstick pad, and wrap the foot. Change the bandage daily and reapply the ointment until you know it's healing well. If it regenerates you will have to clean it out again. Good idea to wear gloves while treating. Every foot is a bit different, some of them can take a fair amount of time to heal.
More on treating bumblefoot:
https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment.html/?spref=pi

 

[Pat Moran]

Thank you! I might have to cage her for a while. I'm in eastern NC and we've had a lot of rain lately...yard is very wet. Thanks again