Limping, black spots on feet, 2 wk chick

[JE-NorthCarolina]

Hi Everyone,

Here's a picture of a 2 week old chick (easter egger) with black spots on its feet. Within the last 24 hours, we noticed the chick slipping and sliding when trying to walk, its legs apparently not strong enough to hold it up. The chicks had scratched to the bottom of their brooder a couple of times, so we initially thought it was splayed legs and put together a hair tie and bandaid hobble to retrain its tendons (we also increased the depth of shavings in the brooder). However, we've now noticed some black spots on its feet (see picture) and are concerned about bumble foot. Any other thoughts on what this could be? Is bumblefoot likely to happen in chicks this young? I cleaned her feet with an alcohol wipe and the blackspots are unchanged.

Some info:

1. Their bedding is 2 inches of pine shavings
2. Food: Purina non medicated start and grow
3. No other birds (we have six other chicks) are exhibiting those symptoms. The picture shows her feet side by side with another chicks feet who does not have the spots.
4. Chick feels lighter than others
5. No apparent trauma
6. Bird is eating and drinking as normal when placed by food
7. Poop is normal looking

She is laying down the majority of the time and when standing, is resting back on her hocks.

Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Wezdin]

I've never heard of bumble in chicks, what is the floor of the brooder made of? It almost looks like a burn, but that's not it. If it doesn't wash off I have no ideas. Maybe @Wyorp Rock knows what it is.

 

[JE-NorthCarolina]

The brooder floor is plastic (it's a large plastic tub) with pine shavings on top. No metal in the brooder at all. Plus the other chicks aren't showing any signs at all.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

we noticed the chick slipping and sliding when trying to walk

we've now noticed some black spots on its feet (see picture) and are concerned about bumble foot.

I've never heard of bumble in chicks, what is the floor of the brooder made of? It almost looks like a burn, but that's not it. If it doesn't wash off I have no ideas. Maybe @Wyorp Rock knows what it is.

The brooder floor is plastic

Can you post a photo of your brooder?
What are you using as a heat source?

Looks like footpad dermatitis or burns from manure or moisture.
Are there any wet spots in the brooder or is it possible a portion of the plastic tub has gotten hot?

I would not use alcohol to clean the feet. Warm soapy water would be better.


https://joneshamiltonag.com/wp-content/uploads/Prevention-and-Scoring-of-Paw-Lesions.pdf

 

[dawg53]

Looks like footpad dermatitis to me. Change bedding and ensure it's dry at all times.