Rooster lost toe last spring, only just now started limping

[SuperFluffyChickens]

Hello all, my 4-yr-old rooster lost about 2/3 of his left inner toe to frostbite this past spring (March I think) as well as part of his 4th toe. I’ve been keeping it bandaged ever since. The wound at the tip of the missing toe has been very slow to heal, but that’s understandable. However, this whole time he’s been able to walk fine and normally, but since earlier this week he’s been limping and lying down a lot. I believe it started when I changed his bandages and, while wrapping his foot, squeezed too hard and a bunch of clear, bloody, watery pus came out! I cleaned the wound as well as I could, which included removing the scab that had built up, but he’s been limping badly ever since. Other than the limp and lying down he seems alert, he’s eating and crowing and talking to the hens. I have him in a crate in the run so his movement is restricted but he can still see his flock, and I’ve been giving him aspirin and amoxicillin since I was worried about infection. The wound looks a lot dryer now that he’s been on it a couple days. The vet doesn’t have an available appointment anytime soon, sadly.

Is there anything else I can do for him? Could it be that he just has to live with a limp for the rest of his life? Thats fine, my flock doesn’t free-range so he’s not vulnerable, but I’m worried about him being in pain. I’m not seeing any of the typical signs of a chicken in pain, he seems his normal self - just extra stressed since I’ve had to handle him a lot which he hates. Am I missing anything?

I don’t mind taking some extra care of him if he’s a “special needs” bird now. I adore this rooster, even though I’m pretty sure he hates me even more now. I just want to make sure he’s not in pain and miserable.

 

[Chicken_Obsesser]

@azygous

 

[azygous]

You may give him a chewable aspirin (81 grain) two times a day for pain.

Usually auto-amputated chicken extremities require no treatment, including bandaging, but this toe sounds infected. Soak it in warm Epsom salts each day for fifteen minutes, apply wound ointment on the tip, but don't bandage. Do this until it heals over with new tissue.

By the way, bonding is taking place between your rooster and you, even though you may think he's upset by the wound care regimen.