Feathered Foot D'uccle- broken and bloody feathers

[m0ngie]

When I went to let my birds out to free-range this morning, I noticed that my 5 month old d'uccle rooster had blood all over his leg.

We took him inside and soaked it in an Epsom salt bath and then rinsed it, sprayed it with vetericyn, wrapped it in bacitracin, gauze and vet wrap. It looks like the feathers are broken off at the base there. But when you look at his other follicles on both legs they are very red.

I've had D'uccles for years and not had this problem before. He's so sweet and let me pick him right up and rested in my hands during his soak. What else can we do?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Poor guy.
Yes, it looks like the feathers were broken.

I'd also treat him for Scaly Leg Mites. Rub some vaseline or Nu Stock Cream into and under the scales of the legs once a week.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Poor guy.
Yes, it looks like the feathers were broken.

I'd also treat him for Scaly Leg Mites. Rub some vaseline or Nu Stock Cream into and under the scales of the legs once a week.

Curious - How can you tell it's SLM on feathered legs? I have a few feather-legged breeds, and I'd like to know what to look for, esp as their scales are often lifted by follicles.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Curious - How can you tell it's SLM on feathered legs? I have a few feather-legged breeds, and I'd like to know what to look for, esp as their scales are often lifted by follicles.

Right, with feather footed breeds, the scales may be a bit raised by follicles.
The OP's scales are crusty, odd shaped, dry looking, uneven and no follicles where the scales look damaged.
I think if you look at your own bird's feet and observe, you should be able to tell the difference and recognize when something is off.

 

[Aunt Angus]

Right, with feather footed breeds, the scales may be a bit raised by follicles.
The OP's scales are crusty, odd shaped, dry looking, uneven and no follicles where the scales look damaged.
I think if you look at your own bird's feet and observe, you should be able to tell the difference and recognize when something is off.
View attachment 3248761

Excellent info. I've always looked at their feet and kind of scratched my head: Is that just feathers, or SLM? This makes sense. Much appreciated.