Infections?

[FreeChicken!]

There, got another picture up.

 

[GoldenSparrow]

That is most defiantly bumblefoot.

Will you do the surgery, or will you let a vet do it?

 

[klmclain1]

Definitely bumblefoot! You or a vet MUST do the surgery SOON. It looks bad enough, too, that personally I'd be giving penicillin injections IM as well. Please do not put this off. It is a STAPH infection and if it's not already systemic, it soon will be. Be sure to wear gloves. Here's another good site: http://successwithpoultry.blogspot.com/2009/09/bumblefoot-chicken.html

YOU CAN DO IT!!!

 

[FreeChicken!]

Oh no... I'll ask my parents about taking him to the vet, but I don't think they will because we don't have a lot of money and my dad doesn't like Squeak. I'll do the surgery if we can't get a vet to. Gah! :'( Another question: Will Squeak be in a lot of pain during the surgery without sleeping gas?

 

[klmclain1]

Amazingly, if the chickens face is covered (I use a lightweight sock over their head) and you wrap them in a towel so they can't flap their wings, they stay quite still! Once in awhile they'll flinch a bit, but for the most part they seem to have a very high pain tolerance. It will bother you way more than them.

Do some research on here in addition to the links we've given you and read up on the surgery (and watch the different videos people have posted). It will help you alot. Remember you have to be a bit aggressive when you're cutting and you'll definitely have to make cuts on the both the tops and bottoms of both feet - it's not going to be fun! I have thought about quitting and culling before - but I take a breath and push ahead. OH.. and you'll need an assistant to hold your bird!

Keep us posted - I know you can do it!

 

[FreeChicken!]

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty sure my dad will say no to the vet (and I'm not sure if any local vet would help anyways) and he definitely wouldn't allow Squeak in the house even if he says yes to the surgery. It's getting cold and dark outside and it's raining, so if I can do it, tomorrow I'll fill up the little tub I sometimes use for washing my chickens and try my best. I'm so scared. Meanwhile, I'll be studying up on the surgery process.

 

[Imp]

Thanks, Imp. That will be very helpful.

Sure, I'll go take a picture and have it up in a bit.
I'm getting really nervous now...

Made it home.

Here's 2 really good links to bumblefoot discussions.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=236649

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=303829

Imp- Good luck

 

[FreeChicken!]

Thanks very much!

 

[klmclain1]

Just a thought... do you know any adults who live close to you that have chickens too? Someone MAY be able to help you that have some experience with this. I hate to have you go at this alone. If I were close (and I can tell I'm not by the rain comment!), I'd do it for you! You might post in the "Where am I! Where are You!" forum and see if there's someone around. Be sure, however, your parents approve of whomever you have help!

 

[GoldenSparrow]

I agree with klmclain1
A person to help, and hold is very helpful. Read as much as you can before hand. The links we gave you are very helpful.

What you will most likely need.
Exacot knife, Tweezers, Cotton balls, Neosporin, Epsom salt, Vet wrap, Hydrogen Peroxide, Gauze, Shavings, Cornstarch, and lots of Courage.

Make sure you sterilize the knifes and tweezers, with boiling water, as well as with the Hydrogen Peroxide.
Sometimes, their feet will bleed a lot, or sometimes, they wont bleed at all.
If his feet bleed a lot you can use Cornstarch to stop the bleeding.
you really need to be brave and get ALL the gunk out.

Wrapping his feet.
Vet wrap works great. This video helped me so much in how to wrap.

After the Surgery
Get a small cage, or dog crate and fill it with shavings.
It is very important to keep his feet dry and clean.

About every other day soak your roos feet in warm water, and A LOT of Epsom salt for 10 to 15 minutes.
The Epsom salt will help clean the wound, as well as draw out infection.

Good luck,and keep us posted.
I will be sending prayers.