Infected feet - but it seems to be contagious

[ruth]

If there is NO swelling, no black scab, no sores - probably not bumblefoot. Plus, I've never seen one of mine, with bumblefoot, acting lethargic.

I'm guessing the lethargy and limping is due to something else - quite possibly an illness. I would keep an eye on them and isolate them - maybe in a kennel or something so that they don't walk around too much and so that you can monitor their behavior and how much they eat, drink, poop.

If you've only had them two weeks, do continue to keep them separate. I also would not give them any antibiotics or other medications which could mask symptoms.

 

[DIMBY]

Thanks, Ruth, this is puzzling, since the first hen that came down with this continued to eat (even their favorite treat, yogurt salad, drink and poop just fine. No discharge from eyes or nostrils, no respiratory things. I'll be watching this second hen, too, and yes will continue to keep them isolated.

 

[threehorses]

Quote:
Sounds good. I have horses and I've used hay and shavings - well tried everything as I'm always looking for the next best thing (and usually finding that the old things are still the best). Between using it, and then reading on hay and spores (which you end up learning a lot about even with the finest hay as a horse person) - after all that, and years of having birds and horses, I find pine is the best. I hope it makes things fresher, easier, cleaner for you too. There's NOTHING like finding something that makes the chores easier and is healthy for birds.

Speaking of useful, other things that nolvsan can be used for:

Cleaning waterers, feeders. Cleansing wounds. Using a few drops in a lot of cool water when you flush for broken eggs. Cleaning your own hands after you've been handling anything questionable.

We used to use it as a kennel disinfectant at the vet clinic, which says a lot for it. We used it to clean anything that was a hard surface, too - including diluted to clean the exam tables, surgical tables, etc. It's nice smelling, doesn't stain - I end up using it for all sorts of stuff. It's a great investment.

 

[ruth]

There is a disease whose symptoms include leg paralysis but I'm not sure of the name. I think it starts with limping, then legs become paralyzed.

Also, is limping and being listless the only symptoms? I know you said you have them separated but are there any roosters with them? My roos are always injuring my hens. Or, are they extra heavy? Sometimes the really big birds limp.

 

[DIMBY]

Nope, these new hens haven't been around roosters, at least in close contact. I had two NHR roosters with the others, but found homes for both a week ago. They were still very much in the gentle giant stage and hadn't become obnoxious yet. Yes, limping and listless were the only symptoms and as I mentioned, the first hen is doing much better today, hardly limping at all, in fact I gave them broccoli for the first time today and she stole a piece from her "sister," so... chickens like broccoli!

 

[DIMBY]

ah, should have added, the RIR is large but not heavy. The one that started limping today is a tiny, tiny thing, a "mutt" sort of (my best egg layer, however).

 

[threehorses]

I suspect since she's improved today, it was an injury. Let's do hope so. Just continue to monitor her.

 

[dlhunicorn]

Sounds more like reovirus to me

http://www.thepoultrysite.com/diseaseinfo/164/viral-arthritis