Frostbite Amputation

[Camwick]

One of my fellas has been limping and guarding his feet. I assumed he had injured them in a fight (he was rehomed and then returned, had to reestablish himself in the flock). Today I picked him up to have a better look and something is terribly wrong. I will try to upload pictures. His toes are dark, discoloured, and atrophied. His main foot is twice the size. This is on both feet. I have never seen this issue on any of my other chickens, nor have my friends with chicken experience. He doesn’t seem to be suffering, but it has definitely affected his mobility. Any guesses as to what this may be would be appreciated. Hopefully pictures to follow...

 

[azygous]

Those black toes out in front of the swollen tissue are necrofied and about to fall off. My guess is he got himself a bad case of frost bite where he was living. After the dead toes fall off, the swelling will subside and he will be fine. He should still be able to get along just fine. Chickens can lose their feet back to the shanks and still be able to get around.

There really isn't much to do in the way of treatment. His immune system has this under control.

 

[Camwick]

Thank you. I was afraid that was the answer. Poor fella. I’m so relieved he still seems to be thriving. He’s a very kind and friendly rooster, the best we’ve ever had. I guess I’ll just continue to monitor him and hope he adjusts to life without toes. Much appreciated

 

[glassdragonfly]

They are remarkable healers,aren't they? I think your boy will be fine,too. Would love to see all of him,from your photos he's a big boy!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I agree, it looks like Frostbite in the end stages of "healing".

Can you post some photos of what the bottom of his feet look like?

 

[sylviethecochin]

he was rehomed and then returned

If they keep their chickens in conditions where that amount of frostbite happens, I wouldn't let them have any more of your birds.

 

[Eggcessive]

X2 on frostbite. It can take awhile before toes will come off. A month or 6 weeks from the injury is about average. Some apply a little Betadine to feet, but make sure he is inside when doing that, since anything wet can make things worse if below freezing. It looks like he make lose part of his toes on the right, but all toes on the right. I agree that he might survive this and do alright. Freezing temperatures combined with wet feet equal frostbite. Soory about your chicken.

 

[Camwick]

I will definitely update with better pictures in the morning when the sun comes up. Where he was homed is a beautiful farm up the road. Nice big barn, sheltered. I’m very surprised this happened. I’m also very happy he’s home (and staying).

 

[Eggcessive]

Here is a good article about frostbite prevention and treatment:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/frostbit-in-backyard-chickens-causes/

 

[Camwick]

What a fantastic article on frost bite! Thank you. I’ve been using Vaseline on their waddles, I use Mushers on my dogs paws, will switch to using it on chickens tomorrow. Also love the idea of plastic wrapping their run. That will make a huge difference. Looks like I’m going to be busy