Hen ripped off scales on foot

[Jemma Rider]

I would not bandage her leg. She may end up eating it accidentally if it comes off. Just put a little betadine or neosporin on it. Then I would grease up her legs well and rub into the scales, either crisco shortening, vaseline, castor oil, or vegetable oil. That will last until next week, when you can treat her leg mites again. Crisco and castor oil will only need to be used once a week or less because they kling well. Her legs will become dirty from the grease, but that is a good thing to get rid of the mites.

I ended up not wrapping her foot, she's just home i asked my pet sitter to keep an eye on her and let me know if her leg looks worse or if she starts limping again. I'm counting the days till i get home i hate leaving them.

 

[inearth]

Buy 'Udder butter' should look like this.

The Sweet hen should be fine. No worries! This stuff is really great, ive used it with 4 chickens ive had and all of their injuries have healed. you can go to vacation without worrying!

Apply a small portion on the battle wound.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

5 will get you 10 that any loose bandage you put on will be off before you get to your vacation destination.

I'll lay even money that they won't stay on that long.

 

[cmom]

I personally would either blue kote it or leave it alone and go on my vacation.

If indeed you did still have scaly leg mites... well your treatment should have worked but the scales won't change instantly... but Ivermectin is effective against them IF need be.

You bird has an immune system that should fight off any possible infection. If other birds aren't pecking at it and it doesn't seem like an easy place for pecking to me.. just let heal. Accidents happen, just like in children.

To me, *sometimes* a bandage can just hold an infection in, keep a wound moist instead of letting it scab over. It doesn't currently look infected. Maybe have your sitter give yogurt or some other form of probiotics to support the birds own immunity.

As you have discovered, sometimes bandaging might cause more of an issue than it resolves... like with circulation and such... better safe than sorry. Let the birds immune system work it out and heal... as it was created to do!

Great job, catching it and looking out for her! Hope she recovers quickly and that you are able to relax and have a good time on vacation with your family.

I agree. Next time the bird molts you will probably see the leg scales clear up. I would pour some ivermectin under the scales.