Multiple bumble foots, cleaners?

[Harmoni]

I have 3 chickens with bumble foot. No idea how they cut their feet. Our lowest poop board edge is only 32 inches up and there is about 8 inches between roost bar and poop board. Our roosts are painted. There are no visible splinters. Since I have 3 chickens with bumble, I am thinking I should disinfect the bars. I don't want to soak the whole coop, it would take too long to dry. Can I use these wipes on the bars?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Doubt the bumblefoot is a result of the roost bars. If anything, sanding down the bars if they have rough or sharp edges would be more effective (since you said they're painted, I have to imagine they're pretty smooth). They need to be cutting/puncturing their feet on something to get an infection in it. The girls I have that get bumbles are the heaviest in my flock, so coming off the roost and landing on the bedding is enough to give them little scrapes that could get infected. I just treat them if it comes up.

 

[TXchickmum]

I agree with the above post. My roosts were about 36 inches off the floor, initially. After my large, heavy breeds got bumble foot, we decided to lower the roosts. That took care of it. They would fly down onto the shavings, and apparently get little scrapes or cuts. Lowering the roosts helped. (We cleaned the coop and run twice daily. I just don't think you can eliminate bacteria in a flock of chickens that live outdoors.) Occasionally, some gal would still get bumblefoot so we just treated as needed. -all good.

 

[Harmoni]

We had ramps before we redesigned. Maybe add a ramp? The lowest poop board is right above our chicken door so I can't lower it.

 

[aart]

Maybe add a ramp?

That might help....but chickens can cut their feet anywhere, I wouldn't fully attribute it to jumping off the roost onto possibly sharp shavings.

 

[TXchickmum]

A ramp might help. Mine never used the ramp we had - they always jumped.
-and true (above) - chickens can get a small cut anywhere.

 

[Harmoni]

A ramp might help. Mine never used the ramp we had - they always jumped.
-and true (above) - chickens can get a small cut anywhere.

They used the ramp when we had it.
Old setup:

New setup:

They do have a landing in front of the nest boxes that is only 13ish inches up.

 

[TXchickmum]

If they used the ramp before, then give that a try! Also, that landing area is good. That should not be too high for them at all. Looks great!