Frostbite on feet

[Chickensandhorsesforlife]

Not heal, but help.

 

[megdiamond]

Not heal, but help.

Is it possible that it is just from the frostbite and isn't bumblefoot?

 

[ChicNmom]

Will soaking heal the bumblefoot or how do I tackle that before it spreads?

Bumblefoot won't spread. Staff bacteria is everywhere. The bacteria gets in through a cut or scratch. It takes a while to get rid of so I would work on the frostbite first. Don't use water that is too warm. If you have ever had frostbite you have to warm it gradually to avoid tissue damage and it is also painful if you warm it too fast.

 

[megdiamond]

Roger that, I did pretty lukewarm soak and today will give her a soak again tomorrow with some Epsom salts.

 

[Chickensandhorsesforlife]

good job. cute chicken by the way

 

[megdiamond]

good job. cute chicken by the way

Thanks. She is so cute and a beautiful girl. I am so heart broken for her. I hope she recovers with her feet intact although the more I look at similar situations, it sadly may not be the case.

 

[megdiamond]

Can I give her any pain medication?

 

[ChicNmom]

1/2 81mg aspirin 2 times a day.

Also if you are keeping her inside you could put a little vaseline or some ointment on her feet if the skin seems dry or freeze dried. Nothing with menthol.

I have always put a little on the combs if they look dry or if there is frostbite. Several people on BYC have said they don't recommend it. The only thing I could find as to a negative of doing that is that possibly the ointment could freeze and make the frostbite worse. Since she is inside that won't happen. Also if the skin is irritated I personally wouldn't add epsom salts just yet.

 

[333113]

Long-term frostbite damage can take a while to see, at least 3-4 weeks.

If your hen isn't walking, that's okay. Make sure she has food and water within reach. Chickens have remarkable recuperative powers. A little time apart from her companions is good, too, though it's better if she can see or hear them, so she doesn't feel too far apart from her flock.

Mild frostbite may not have any symptoms at all, but still can be painful from time to time, and it is best to have her isolated from potential pecking or excitement that would cause her to run or otherwise move her feet.

Moderate frostbite may cause some swelling or discoloration, and may be painful if your hen tries to walk. Healing will take a couple of months. Again, try to prevent her feeling she has to walk, which could be painful.

Severe frostbite can result in loss of toes or sometimes of an entire foot. You would see this after a couple of months. I don't know of any way to tell this ahead of time, though I have had a hen and two roos who lost toes to frostbite, and a hen who lost her entire foot to a raccoon.

My course of action in all of these cases was to provide food, water, a safe, clean cage/nest, and nearby chicken companionship. I have not used pain medication like aspirin because I don't know how effective or safe it is for chickens. I rely more on distraction for pain--a treat like sprouts, grains or mealworms, which does seem to help.
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Best of luck with your chickie!

 

[megdiamond]

she has perked up quite a bit in the last few days, tries to move around but doesn't get far. healthy appetite. her stomach feels quite full and her poops are very small but look normal.

I'm wondering if I should be concerned if she's not laying? I orkinda assume she's too stressed to lay. Is there anything else I need to watch out for?the swelling of her feet hasn't gotten worse and hasn't improved. no blisters or sores.