My Chicken's foot is black

[Hens_for_Eggs]

Hello, my chickens foot has recently turned black and she refuses to walk on it. I have read other posts that say that they will be fine walking on stumps, but i'm not sure if she can survive with half a leg. I am completely lost as to what to do to help her and any suggestions would be highly appreciated, thank you for your time!

 

[Eggcessive]

Welcome to BYC, and sorry about your chicken. Can you post a picture? I would try soaking the foot in warm Epsom salts water, and then applying betadine or Vetericyn to the foot. Keep her inside and warm until it dries. Repeat this daily or as needed. If the foot is shriveled and black it will most like drop off in several weeks.

 

[andreanar]

Frostbite? Eggcessive gave great advice. Good luck.

 

[Larry55]

Hello, my chickens foot has recently turned black and she refuses to walk on it. I have read other posts that say that they will be fine walking on stumps, but i'm not sure if she can survive with half a leg. I am completely lost as to what to do to help her and any suggestions would be highly appreciated, thank you for your time!

Frostbite?

 

[Wickedchicken6]

It sounds like she's frozen that section of the leg. If that is the case, what Eggcessive mentioned is what will most likely happen.

I had a bottom rung guinea who was having trouble walking. I bought it inside. Both of its legs were naturally black and it didn't present with the regular swelling. When it became clear that both feet and part of the legs were frozen, I put it down immediately. I feel incredibly terrible that I didn't catch it sooner. That's my first experience with frozen feet/legs.

Some on here have had birds recover and that only one leg. That bird may require observation and possibly extra care for the rest of its life to ensure it can function and maintain itself, especially if there is competition. That's something that should factor into your decision making on whether you decide to treat this bird, IF it is serious frostbite, or whether you decide she should be humanely put down.

Here's a good article on frostbite that shows what you might expect in regards to the foot/leg.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/frostbite-in-poultry.73349/

 

[Hens_for_Eggs]

Thank you so much! Your feed back is incredibly helpful, ill try to get a picture of the leg up soon!

 

[TwoSpectacles]

My little serama hen's feet have turned black as well,on the soles, but it's summer here. I have treated it with castor oil and with Lugol but it keeps getting worse. If it isn't frost bite or bumblefoot then what could it be??