I'm pet sitting for a friend and one of her chickens is limping and has these large rock hard growths on some of her toes. I'm not sure of its dried dirt and feces from scratching the ground or if it is an actual growth. I know nothing about chickens. Can someone please take a look at this picture and give me an idea? Thank you!!
Hard to tell what color it is in the picture. I went searching and found pictures of frostbite that blistered up bu not on the tips of the toes more toward where the toe joins. I am certainly no expert on frostbite. I have not had to deal with it personally. I sure hope someone with more experience chimes in. Hoping for the best for the chicken and you as well.
Those look like the "mud balls" our hens used to get on their claws when they spent a lot of time scratching in clay soil. Soak the feet in warm (NOT hot!) water for ten or fifteen minutes, then work at the balls gently with your fingers. It may take a while to loosen them up enough to get them off; go slowly and just keep soaking.
