Silkie toes in 'concrete'

[Stonerowfarm]

I just don't know the best way to deal with this. My bantys are in a shed which we insulated the walls and ceiling on. The floor is off the ground and during the winter would alternately freeze and thaw. I cleaned several times to make sure nothing was building up and since the weather broke a bit last month I am cleaning it about every 1-2 weeks. When I cleaned it out last week I noticed two of my silkies 'thumping' around. I picked one of the girls up and a couple of her toes are literally encased in what looks like and is as hard as concrete. Because it was cold, I kind of assumed it was frozen food. I sat with one of the girls and soaked her toes in warm water and tried to scrap off some of the hard mess with little success. Any suggestions on how I can get this off their toes? Should I just keep soaking and scraping or is there a better way.

 

[tamelroy]

I don't know, I would do what you are doing and keep soaking, maybe someone else will answer for you.

Do you know if they were able to get into fresh concrete? You sure it isn't poo?

 

[key west chick]

I had a little serama hen that had her feet encased in frozen poo and filth. ( I was sick for several days and DS feed the chickens, he never realized there was a problem) I had to soak her feet in very warm water with Dawn detergent for nearly an hour with me gently picking and cutting away chunks with a knife. Just work very slowly.

 

[EweSheep]

Are you sure it is not scaley leg mites???

 

[Stonerowfarm]

It's not real concrete, just hard like concrete. I was beating myself up wondering how this could have happened without my noticing it when it dawned on me, these are my two broody hens which is why I didn't notice it right away. It doesn't appear to be poop, but food. These two girls like to brood in a corner near a set of food and waterers.

I'll give the Dawn a try. So far I only used water and chipped away a bit with my nails. I'm worried about hurting their toes. It's definitely not leg mites, just clumped food on a few of the toes on each foot.

thanks for the suggestion

 

[bird of a feather]

I had this happen to one of my silkie hens after a series of rainy days. I used a warm bowl of water with a little baby shampoo in it. I dipped her foot in it a couple of times and it broke apart easily. It was a mixture of mostly mud and food.