Feather foot and limping

[ChickyMudder]

Any advice on how to manage this girls sore feathers? She has been limping for a week. Can I pull the big thick one? Trying and Epsom salt bath until we hear back from you all.

 

[RoostersAreAwesome]

I don’t think she’s limping because of the feathers. Have you checked the bottom of her foot and all the way up her leg for sores, bumbles, bruises, or swelling?

 

[LaFleche]

This often happens with chickens having feathered feet when molting, as the incoming pinfeathers pinch into the skin of the leg or toe with every step they take. Sometimes, this can lead to inflammation or even infection.

As soon as the encasings are nibbled off and the feathers unfold, they will walk normally again.

 

[ChickyMudder]

I don’t think she’s limping because of the feathers. Have you checked the bottom of her foot and all the way up her leg for sores, bumbles, bruises, or swelling?

Yes, I didn’t see any but I can check again. Now she is laying around. I ruled out bumble foot. She pulls her foot away when I touch the feathers on her leg.

 

[ChickyMudder]

This often happens with chickens having feathered feet when molting, as the incoming pinfeathers pinch into the skin of the leg or toe with every step they take. Sometimes, this can lead to inflammation or even infection.

As soon as the encasings are nibbled off and the feathers unfold, they will walk normally again.

They do seem very close together. Can I pull them or will this cause injury

 

[LaFleche]

They do seem very close together. Can I pull them or will this cause injury

Pulling them often causes bleeding, and of course, another new feather will form in a few weeks time.

 

[ChickyMudder]

Thank you for your responses! Appreciate it