Is bumble foot common? Worried about rooster!

[shannon84]

Can bumble foot mimic a leg injury? My rooster has hurt his leg or sprained it about 3 weeks ago, he stumbles often or seems clumsy. He is a very healthy roosters, I can't imagine him having bumble foot, he lives in a very clean area, but I guess that doesn't necessarily cause bumble foot. He is huge and attacks so it's going to be a challenge just to catch him to look at his feet. Do I need to check all my chickens feet monthly or what? I'm a newbie . Thanks!

 

[coach723]

Late night after dark, or early in the morning well before daylight are the best times.

 

[coach723]

If your roo is difficult to catch, then take him from the roost after dark, they are usually much calmer then. If he struggles then wrap him in a towel to hold his wings in while you check his feet. Check bottom and top of foot, between toes, check the nails, check feet and legs for any swelling. It's always a good idea to do regular checks on them, as the previous poster said. How often will be whatever you are comfortable with in keeping them healthy. Every one of mine gets a visual check every morning, and those that need a closer look for any reason are noted and done, either at that time, or off the roost that night if they are a difficult one to handle. That is usually when I do spur trims also. I have one roo that is easy to catch and handle and one that I can only get off the roosts at night.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Can bumble foot mimic a leg injury? My rooster has hurt his leg or sprained it about 3 weeks ago, he stumbles often or seems clumsy. He is a very healthy roosters, I can't imagine him having bumble foot, he lives in a very clean area, but I guess that doesn't necessarily cause bumble foot. He is huge and attacks so it's going to be a challenge just to catch him to look at his feet. Do I need to check all my chickens feet monthly or what? I'm a newbie . Thanks!

Is this the one that attacked your broom then went off limping a while back?
I do wonder if he sprained/fractured/broke something....

You will need to get a hold of him and do an examination to determine if he has bumblefoot or not. As suggested, wait until he is roosting, take him from the roost and swaddle him in a towel. Have a helper and take photos of your rooster, his feet, spurs, eyes, etc.

Examine him head to toe to tail and in between. Look at his feet (the bottoms too). While you're at it, check him for lice/mites.

The stumbling and being clumsy? Can you get a video of that, upload it to youtube then provide us a link?
He may have something else going on besides possible injury. Sometimes a disease like Marek's can cause stumbling, he may have poor eyesight or even a vitamin deficiency.

Last but least...if he is attacking you, you have to carry a broom to ward him off, he bits, kicks, etc. then you may need to consider re-homing him with Full Disclosure of behavioral problems or if you are up to it, make a nice dinner.

 

[shannon84]

You can do this! But if waiting for the weekend means having helpers that would be great!
Get Mom and Hubby to help you!

I just successful got a whole baby aspirin in him. I shut the girls up so they couldn't get it this time lol. I can tell he walks better with an asprin in him! Yes I'll have helpers for sure this weekend

 

[9SpiceyChickens]

What everyone else says is true.

Spoiler: *Might hurt your feelings*

It might be best to get rid of him if your scared to check him over. Most people here have Rooster Dumplings asap once they are attacked. Just a suggestion, you don't have to do it. Also please don't feel insulted or have your feelings hurt. This is a spoiler!!!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hi guys!! It hasn't happened yet, I'm going to wait for the weekend. But then again I might not wait, I'm just waiting to get him close enough. If not I need a helper and Ill have to wait for the weekend. I'm glad you all are rooting for me lol its giving me the extra confidents I so much need

You can do this! But if waiting for the weekend means having helpers that would be great!
Get Mom and Hubby to help you!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Yes, its the same rooster....would I know if his leg was sprained or broken by heat in the leg or swelling? I was reading up on Marek's and his eyes have no grey look to them, not sure if that's a symptom that's always present with that disease? I will definitely video him! I'm his only hope for a home I think. He is not a free range chicken, he gets supervised free time on nice days though. He was dropped off in our woods 3 years ago. I'm assuming because of his aggression. Is mereks deadly?

There are 4 "forms" of Marek's. The one that affects the eyes is called Ocular form.
Marek's can affect the eyes, nervous system, skin and internal organs.

The balance issues are a bit concerning, but if he's been clumsy for a long time, then that may just be the way he is - since he was dumped over 3 yrs ago.

Sometimes a break/sprain can be hard to tell, but yes...check for heat, swelling, etc in his legs. Chickens are warm (at least to me) so you would want to compare the good leg to the bad.

 

[RodNTN]

Poor boy! My guess is either bumblefoot or he has sprained his ankle or leg. I've dealt with a sprained ankle before.
If it is a sprained ankle, I would give him one baby aspirin (hiding the pill in some type of treat works great!) once a day. That worked for my hen last year

Also, I understand you loving him even though he may not be the nicest. I have a rooster that is going to be rehomed soon, he is very rough with the girls. But he was the first chick I hatched at home so he is still my baby.... anyway I understand

 

[Wyorp Rock]

You don't need to get the whole bird wet, use a shallow pan and just put his feet in it, just deep enough to go up to the next joint. If his leg feathers get a bit wet you can just dry with a towel, and keep him in a warm place til they dry completely. A blow dryer on low, if he will tolerate it will speed it up.

All well and good @coach723 but I have a feeling the whole bird AND Shannon is going to get wet, they will both need a thorough drying