How did flock get bumble foot?

[TishM]

Hi there,
My flock of 6 hens all have bumble foot! I was shocked because we have a very clean coop and run (cleaned 5 days/week) and their bedding is sand. I have a few theories of what happened and wondered if anyone can tell me which may be the most plausible so that I can prevent future issues. I cleaned, applied triple antibiotic and wrapped last night and all are walking fine so I think I caught very early. Here are my theories; 1-we had tons of rain in May and my run got mucky. I still cleaned what I could but it was a bit sludge like. They free range in the yard some days but it rained so much most of their outside time was in the mucky run. 2-We have a sweet gum tree near their run and where they free range, could one of the spiky gum-balls caused this? We keep them out of the run but occasionally one gets in there? There are some in the grass where they free range, they are hard to eliminate completely. 3-we replace the sand in the coop/run every 6 months. This time my son bought play sand instead of construction sand and I didn't know until he had replaced it all. I was grateful for his help so didn't say anything and thought this would be fine until next change out. Could this finer sand cause a problem?

 

[muddy75]

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

I think you're correct that moisture is the culprit.

I don't have experience using sand, but I assume the smaller sand would be more prone to holding water.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. I believe the over abundance of rain may be your problem. How high are your roosts? Is your coop floor wood, or another surface? What type bedding do you have in the coop?
I've learned to keep several bags of pine pellets available to absorb water when we get flooded. It seems to happen here more often in the last few years and I get mucky runs also.

 

[berlyannpotter]

I use sand but I place grass shavings over it due to this issue. Its a free resource.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

My theory? Jumping down onto sand can cause micro scratches in the footpad. Once there is damage to the skin barrier, bacteria can gain a foothold. If there is excess water, there is excess bacterial growth.
Step one: prevent the micro scratches in all landing zones by using a fluffy thick dry bedding to cushion impact. I use large flake pine shavings.
Step two: mitigate excess moisture in their environment by either adding a solid roof to the run and pitch all drainage away from the run or by adding coarse dry organic litter that drains well and keeps the birds out of the worst of the moisture. Or a combination of the two.

 

[D Uccle Uncle]

My theory?

I agree with your theory, only the other way around. It is first water-logged skin that loses it's natural protective ability. After the skin has been altered, then it is more susceptible to abrasion and bacterial influx. To me, bumblefoot is like a chicken form of trench foot that people can get.

Regardless, I like your idea of a soft landing pad, even if the run (and feet) are dry.

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. @DobieLover has presented a very plausible cause and solution.

 

[TishM]

Welcome to BYC. I believe the over abundance of rain may be your problem. How high are your roosts? Is your coop floor wood, or another surface? What type bedding do you have in the coop?
I've learned to keep several bags of pine pellets available to absorb water when we get flooded. It seems to happen here more often in the last few years and I get mucky runs also.

Yes, that was my first thought. The sand typically dries out so quickly but we had so much rain it was wet for several weeks. I'm going to look to do the pine pellets or grass clippings as another suggested. Hoping I can get these feet healed quickly. It's bone dry now thankfully.

 

[TishM]

I use sand but I place grass shavings over it due to this issue. Its a free resource.

Great idea! Do you use fresh mowed grass or dried out?