Whenever I had bumbles the vet always gave me metacam - the medicine I'm offering. I'm not sure if it just helps the bird feel less pain or if reducing the inflammation helps with healing, too. But if you are going to give medication anyway it won't be that much harder to give one more at the same time. And this one is only one daily! I hate the idea of my ducks being in pain so I always gave it to them for less severe bumbles.
I completely understand about the drainage issue. We used to have this lovely pea gravel set up with pipes underneath. I just hosed the poop right off! It was amazing. I was disappointed to get rid of it all.
That sounds really frustrating about the sand. Ugh. Actually, my vet told me that a thick layer of sand would be ok for their feet, but we were worried about crop impaction if they ate it. But your sand experience was horrible so now I'm really glad I never tried it!
Straw quality can vary for me as well. Hay tends to be reliable, but is twice as expensive. Usually I use whatever straw is available, unless it is just awful then I just buy the cheapest hay they have. I buy mine from the hardware store in Carnation. This summer they sometimes don't have any! Their supplier can't always meet their demands, so you may want to call ahead if you buy from there.
Straw is harder to work with than wood shavings. I completely agree. I really liked that about wood shavings, it was so easy to spot clean. But I'll struggle with wads of poopy straw instead of bumblefoot.
I wonder if there is someone that sells chopped straw? It does work much better. Maybe First Fruits?
