Help. Broken toe *graphic photos*

[Ladobaze]

My chicken lost a toe recently. (Likely a rat. I’ve fixed that issue.) But I need help. Here is the break down of what’s going on. I’m trying to think of all the info I can so I can get ample help.

-lost toe about a week ago. I thought she was broody and left her alone for a couple of days but then checked on her and noticed the toe (cue the guilt. Uhg.) Also, first pic is from the day I noticed it.
-I Immediately soaked it in Epsom salt. Sprayed with an antiseptic spray. Put Neosporin on it and wrapped it with gauze and vet tape.
- I change the bandage every two days. Each time I spray it and put Neosporin on it and re-wrap.
- it smelled the first day or two but the smell has almost completely gone away HOWEVER today I noticed that whole foot/leg is HOT. Likely infection? I don’t have a vet that treats chickens anywhere near me so I’m doing everything I know how to help her and honestly freaking out just a bit. She’s our fav girl and this is my first ever chicken injury
- today I gave her some dried (It’s all I had but will be getting fresh later today) oregano on top of a bit of yogurt (read that was good for her somewhere on here). I also added it to her water with some ACV
- she doesn’t forage around like normal and just sits around all day. However, If I throw some scratch out, she will limp around to get that like her life depends on it. So I call that a good sign. She’s not eating her crumbles though that I can tell.
- she does sometimes follow me still but will take many breaks as I walk around.
- her skin that has blackened (second photo. About 3 days after first photo) is drying up around the bone, but the bone is still visible and sticking out just slightly on one side.

I’m honestly at a loss and just not sure what to do or if what I’m doing is right. I’m sick to my stomach and just want her to be ok and as comfortable as possible. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I have Blue Kote but since the bone is sticking out I thought a wrap might still be best for now to keep it clean.

Also, on a lighter note. I was always a huge city girl and I’ve had a fear of birds my whole life. I got my first chickens when my husband left for basic training as a little surprise gift for him when he gets back. He grew up a backyard farm boy. They extended his training for 18 months (he has an intense military job that requires all sorts of additional training) and so I was “stuck” figuring out chicken life on my own and I clearly FELL. IN. LOVE. With our chickens. We went from two to 7 (5 silkie chicks! My human girls are in heaven) . Still not near what most of you have but way more than I ever thought I’d want. And I want more. My husband can’t believe what’s happening to me lol CHICKEN MATH IS REAL! Also we plan to get goats when he gets home. Just love this life with the exception of this toe situation
Anyways, thanks for the help!

 

[Chickinie]

I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but the toe is going to have to be cut off at the joint - you can't leave bare bone sticking out. She most likely has an infection, you will have to give her some antibiotics.

The nearest joint is not far from the end of the bone sticking out. The bone is dead. It has to be removed and skin has to heal over the end of the toe.

 

[Ladobaze]

I hate to be the bringer of bad news, but the toe is going to have to be cut off at the joint - you can't leave bare bone sticking out. She most likely has an infection, you will have to give her some antibiotics.

The nearest joint is not far from the end of the bone sticking out. The bone is dead. It has to be removed and skin has to heal over the end of the toe.

Omggg how do I even go about doing something like that?

 

[Chickinie]

Omggg how do I even go about doing something like that?

I know, it's a bit much... I've had to do similar to a parrot or two from butcher birds grabbing them through the wire. They healed up ok.

You should definitely get her some antibiotics asap.

I'll wait till others give you some advice before I go on. It's late here I've been reading about chickens till midnight for a week... Haha. Off to bed for me.

 

[Ladobaze]

I know, it's a bit much... I've had to do similar to a parrot or two from butcher birds grabbing them through the wire. They healed up ok.

You should definitely get her some antibiotics asap.

I'll wait till others give you some advice before I go on. It's late here I've been reading about chickens till midnight for a week... Haha. Off to bed for me.

G’night
Where do I find chicken antibiotics if I don’t have a vet anywhere near me that treats chickens?

 

[Chickinie]

Chicken antibiotics you should be able to get from the feed supplies. Or bird antibiotics you could get from a pet shop. Look online, like online pet supplies - I live in Australia and have no idea about what they sell where you are .

Nite!

 

[Chickinie]

How did you go finding antibiotics?

I was thinking, you miiiight be able to just keep wrapping it up and see if her body pushes out the bone - like a foreign object. It might take ages though, if it does at all.

 

[Ladobaze]

Chicken antibiotics you should be able to get from the feed supplies. Or bird antibiotics you could get from a pet shop. Look online, like online pet supplies - I live in Australia and have no idea about what they sell where you are .

Nite!

What kind of antibiotic would be best for this sort of thing? I found some websites but most things were for respiratory issues and I could figure out which to purchase.

 

[Chickinie]

The antibiotics that treat for CRD (chronic respiratory disease) are usually broadspectrum because CRD itself is not curable, antibiotics fight the other bacterial infections associated with having the disease. CRD is common in poultry and other birds, so dosing for CRD will be dosing to help with other infections.

The one that I've recently purchased (in Australia) is OXYMAV B for birds. It is a soluble broadspectrum antibiotic powder. On the label it says: Effective against a wide range of Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Oxytetracycline (the antibiotic) is actually used in many medications, even for people. I bought it just for when ever I have sick birds, to fight whatever bacteria might be making them sick, wherever it is (infections included).

Using a broadspectrum antibiotic labeled with a dosage for CRD for an infected wound would be an 'off the label' use. But with the bone exposed, and hot leg, it's a chance that bacteria has entered the bone and possibly entered her skin tissue and bloodstream. A topical antibiotic won't kill any bacteria that's travelled into her tissues.

They should have at least one broadspectrum at your stock feed store (for birds/poultry), you might not have to buy it online. Or pet store. I was thinking it'll be easier to work out what you need by browsing what's available instead of going in blind.

But, in saying all this, it's only a good idea to use an antibiotic as a last resort. Always read the label for warnings; a withholding period for eggs is likely. Maybe if you call your local vet they will be able to tell you which store-stocked antibiotic is best for your hen if you're really unsure of what to get.

Your chook may even be just fine without - there is the big thing about overuse and antibiotic resistance. She might be able to fight the infection by herself. You could ramp up her diet and treat her like a princess till her leg calms down. Sometimes things look worse before they get better. Her body would already be fighting the infection, hence the heat.

 

[Ladobaze]

Just thought I’d update this thread in case anyone comes back and sees this later and wonders how it turned out. After all of the above, I continued to clean and wrap my chickens toe every other day for about 8 days. The foot became less hot and less swollen and so I used blue Kote and let my chicken roam around without the bandage. From then on. Within a few days she was acting totally normal (still a small limp, but normal). And even started to lay eggs regularly again. The bone is still showing a tiny bit but I imagine that will remedy itself over time.
very pleased shes ok
First chicken injury conquered!