My hen has "golf balls" on the tip of her toes

[mgainey]

I've seen this on one or two of the hens before and then one day it just is gone. It usually happens after they have wandered and scratched on a patch of mud (we let them out to free range once a day). I have read some about bumble foot. Isn't that under the foot ? This is actual round balls on the tip end of her toes, around the claw part. The poor thing is have a hard time walking, but the ball is the only symptom. She otherwise appears healthy. I want to help her. Please enlighten me.

 

[ChickiKat]

do you have any pictures??

 

[fishnet1971]

did she get into something like scratching new concrete that was poured? clay will do that then dry hard as rocks as well.

 

[stoopid]

It's probably poo mixed with dirt.
Soak in warm water, they should twist right off.

 

[fishnet1971]

i agree. something that will harden and not come off. soak soak soak.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They can get mud balls. I agree with the others- soak the feet to see if they will come off.

 

[boogiedog]

One of my silkies got those last year and I took pliers and held her steady and CAREFULLY applied a good squeeze to the "ball". I was able to get them all to crack and fall off. Be careful not to twist the toes.

 

[welasharon]

You can pull the skin off if you aren't careful. It would be better to soak it loose.
sharon