Silkies with Bumblefoot

[Chicalina]

your perches look fine to me. Lower the higher one to the same level if you wish though. I read a scientific study about perches recently and it recommended two inches as the optimum width so yours look fine if they are 2 inches wide. Many people have 2x4 planks the wrong way round (flat side up).

You could put a few more shavings underneath for a softer landing, though then they may start laying there ime.

What surface do they roam around on all day? Is it soft or hard?

 

[annierose]

your perches look fine to me. Lower the higher one to the same level if you wish though. I read a scientific study about perches recently and it recommended two inches as the optimum width so yours look fine if they are 2 inches wide. Many people have 2x4 planks the wrong way round (flat side up).

You could put a few more shavings underneath for a softer landing, though then they may start laying there ime.

What surface do they roam around on all day? Is it soft or hard?

Thank you, i definitely need to make them longer as they don't all fit on there.
What if i rounded the edges but still kept the perch flat?

Yep i've placed more shaving down but i have removed the perches whilst i try to find new ones... may not have been the best idea.... they'll be upset/confused tonight!

They are out roaming the garden but we've definitely had a lot of rain recently.

 

[Chicalina]

if you are going to rejig them, then put one or two the whole length of the coop at the same height. It avoids disputes because no chicken likes to be lower than the others.

Do they tend to jump down to the floor in the mornings or just to the poop board and down the ramp? Does your coop flooring have a nice deep layer of shavings? 4 inches deep is good. And yes to sanding the edges smooth.

Are they very heavy birds? I've had bumblefoot in the past with really big birds, but my bantams have no problems. They all free range on soft ground.

 

[annierose]

if you are going to rejig them, then put one or two the whole length of the coop at the same height. It avoids disputes because no chicken likes to be lower than the others.

Do they tend to jump down to the floor in the mornings or just to the poop board and down the ramp? Does your coop flooring have a nice deep layer of shavings? 4 inches deep is good. And yes to sanding the edges smooth.

Are they very heavy birds? I've had bumblefoot in the past with really big birds, but my bantams have no problems. They all free range on soft ground.

Here are a couple of photos of the coop.
The tallest perch is too close to the back that the big sussex butt doesn't fit comfortably, whilst building this I only had two silkies at the time. The silkies have been using the highest perch. The only thing i can think of- is having one long perch to replace the two, have it at a lower height and round off the edges.

It'll vary sometimes - bigger birds will jumping onto the floor, silkies use the ramp via the poop floor. I no longer open the 'human' door in the morning as they will jump/fly out.

The floor does not have a deep layer of shaving (pine shaving) as you can see the vinyl underneath.

Bigger birds have yet to develop anything scabs and i say 'yet' because in the last 2 weeks they've started roosting at night.

 

[Chicalina]

yep I think your idea is good. Add another 4 inches of shavings to the floor. That is your problem right there!

 

[Chicalina]

have you heard of deep litter? You may have to put a piece of wood by the door to stop it falling out. Then you turn it once a week and only clean out once or twice a year depending on how many birds you have. It stays dry and soft. I sprinkle bird disinfectant powder and DE into it too (not too much as don't want it to be dusty)

 

[annierose]

yep I think your idea is good. Add another 4 inches of shavings to the floor. That is your problem right there!

Do you think i'm just worrying, as I kind of feel that the pine shaving is not always soft as it can stick into your hands... if you dig your hands deep/hard enough into the bag of pine shavings

 

[Chicalina]

They are softer than a hard floor to land on if you are jumping down!

Change to hemp or a shavings/straw mix if you prefer. I buy horse bedding from the feed store for mine which is a dust extracted mix.

 

[annierose]

They are softer than a hard floor to land on if you are jumping down!

Change to hemp or a shavings/straw mix if you prefer. I buy horse bedding from the feed store for mine which is a dust extracted mix.

maybe i go for straw on the bottom floor and then pine shaving for the top level/nesting boxes

 

[Chicalina]

straw on its own is not absorbent at all, and mats up into a wet mess. I use a mix of chopped straw and shavings which is a horse bedding. It is really good for deep litter. Also hemp works well too. Most people use shavings alone. it is the impact of them jumping down onto a hard floor with no cushion that breeds bumblefoot. Focus on cushioning, and absorbency. Deep litter is less work for you than sweeping out the coop every day/week too!!

You don't need food or water in the coop either. They can stay outside.