Red Spot on Hen’s Foot

[Iva S.]

What is this red splotch? Any ideas on what could’ve caused it? And how do I fix it?

 

[CacklingRanch]

Looks like something got in it. A splinter or a fragment of rock. Could be anything, chickens are pretty adventurous. You need to treat it with a topical antibiotic cream to keep the infection out to prevent bumblefoot. Bumblefoot is a nasty infection that can lead to many deeper problems.

Is it oozing at all or just red? Doesn’t look infected yet.

 

[azygous]

I recommend a twenty minute warm soak in Epsom salt. That will soften the area you are concerned about, and you can then see if the tiny scab at the locus of the red area will lift off with a scrape of your thumbnail.

Chances are you'll find a bit of pus surrounding a thorn or splinter. Lift it out and gently scrape out any other debris or pus. Spray with Vetericyn, and let dry. If the wound is deeper than just a surface scrape, dab some antibiotic ointment on it. That should be all that you need to do.

 

[Kathy Golla]

I've seen a couple of posts recently attributing something that looks like this possibly to the cold.

 

[Iva S.]

Looks like something got in it. A splinter or a fragment of rock. Could be anything, chickens are pretty adventurous. You need to treat it with a topical antibiotic cream to keep the infection out to prevent bumblefoot. Bumblefoot is a nasty infection that can lead to many deeper problems.

Is it oozing at all or just red? Doesn’t look infected yet.

What is a “topical antibiotic cream”? Funny thing is, I noticed it while I was treating her bumblefoot. Right now it just looks all red and while I was wrapping her foot after working at the bumble already there, I wrapped that portion of her foot too, just in case.

 

[coach723]

What is a “topical antibiotic cream”?

Normally people are referring to Neosporin or Bacitracin or the equivalent when they suggest a topical antibiotic. Use one without pain killer in it as that may be toxic to birds.

 

[CacklingRanch]

Yes. Anything without pain killers that you can rub or spray on. Vetericyn works well, also.