Hens With Swollen Legs/Twisted Toes

[ChickenCanoe]

Be very careful trimming nails. The quick is much closer to the tip in chickens than with dogs and cats. Have some quick stop at the ready.
I've found that it is better to start with just a mild trim and do several treatments over time. The crooked toes may have contributed to the overgrowth since when scratching the soil, they weren't worn down because they didn't make contact with the soil.
Do you have other chickens?
If so, make sure you quarantine.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Okay so here is some more info in case of questions:
-Unsure of the exact feed they were on- no bag present but it was a layer mash that is similar in quality to chick grit
-They said the hens had stopped laying (I figured due to Winter being here and less light)
-About 5 to 6 years old, all three are hens
-No sign of lice/mites
Here are some photos of their feet. All the girls had their nails trimmed afterwards- I was very impressed with their calm behavior. There are photos of the top and bottom of their feet. No visible sores. Images are thumbnails to save space- click to enlarge

Thank you for the photos!
One foot, the foot pad looks puffy, so I would watch that one closely.
Looks like they have some raised scales which would indicated Scaly Leg Mites.

A good soaking in epsom salts to help reduce swelling would be good.
For the SLM (raised scales) Slather on vaseline, castor oil, coconut oil, nu stock, A+D ointment - you get it Some type of oil, work that under the scales really well. Re-apply every few days. The oil will smother the mites and heal the scales. Eventually you may see the old scales fall off to reveal new smooth scales.
Overall, they look pretty good. It will just take a little time to get the nails and feet back into shape.

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@ChickenCanoe - Nail trimming on birds seems easier over the years to me than ever doing them for dogs and cats, honestly. Thank you for the advice just in case! They have very light colored nails which helps in identifying the quick- it was basically a short trim except for a nail on the second hen that needed a bit more clipped off. No accidents or quick cutting- they did so well! It will definitely be gradual in trimming the nails to get them in shape.

P.S. They are quarantined right now and I plan to keep them separate as I continue to keep an eye on them

 

[Mosey2003]

They have feather stubs, interesting!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

@ChickenCanoe - Nail trimming on birds seems easier over the years to me than ever doing them for dogs and cats, honestly. Thank you for the advice just in case! They have very light colored nails which helps in identifying the quick- it was basically a short trim except for a nail on the second hen that needed a bit more clipped off. No accidents or quick cutting- they did so well! It will definitely be gradual in trimming the nails to get them in shape.

Good work!

 

[HomesteaderWife]

@Wyorp Rock - I was concerned about that one possibly being bumblefoot, so I will be watching it closely. I'll put something on their legs and update how they look! Any tips on how to soak the feet?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

@Wyorp Rock - I was concerned about that one possibly being bumblefoot, so I will be watching it closely. I'll put something on their legs and update how they look!

Great!
That's the one I would be concerned about. I didn't really see a scab or anything like that, but the puffiness is not "normal".
Hopefully it will go down over the course of a few weeks under your care.

Look forward to updates

 

[Eggcessive]

You can use a plastic dish pan to soak the feet in warm Epsome salts water.

 

[ChickNanny13]

I'm thinking their crooked toes are due to how they were kept prior to your acquiring them. The nail trimming will probably help alot as well as the Epson Salt soaks.

 

[aart]

Looks like some broken toe bones...not sure you can 'fix' them.