String wrapped tight around toe

[bmgjet]

found 2 chicks have some how gotten string wrapped around one of there toes,
Its to tight to undo or get sissors under. Even tried using a needal and its just too embeded into the skin.

It looks like its been like that a few days since the toe is discoloured and the chick has no feeling in it.
Is it best just to leave it or should the toe be removed?

 

[willowbranchfarm]

That's a tough situation. Can you just carefully cut it with a knife??? I wouldn't want to take off the toe so I would just leave it. Then again it could cause more damage and infection. Its up to you.

 

[suebgbr]

This is going to sound fairly gross but could you nibble the string with your teeth? Your mouth is very sensitive and can tell when it is biting something it shouldn't so you will hurt it less. You could disinfect it in a little TCP or something first.
I wouldn't leave it cos it could cause blood poisoning if the toe dies and you may end up losing the whole chicken.
One of mine got some baling string round her foot. It was all bloated and cold. We managed to get it off her and after a few days of limping she is now fine.

 

[Suzie]

Arrggh! No... not the teeth! For a start you don't know what the chicken has been walking in and teeth cannot match using a needle or scalpel... maybe try to soak the leg in a solution of betadine and water, see if you can loosen the string.... it has to have an end to it somewhere.... if no luck then try a scalpel or razor blade... you will need he chicken to be relaxed BEFORE treatment... lay her on her side with a towel covering her head,she will likely fall asleep, you can then start to carefully explore the area and how best to remove the string, be it with scalpel/razor blade or needle..take you time and you will succeed! After removal ensure the leg area is kept clean and treated with a betadine solution.

Best of luck! (and patience too)

Suzie

 

[bmgjet]

Got it off with a razor blade, Will have to watch it for infection for next few days since it was very tight, Pritty much just around the skin and bone and all the flesh has been squished out.
But didnt look to bad since its just the tip before the claw and the chicks are only 4.5-5 weeks old so should over come it even if I have to chop the toe off.

 

[redsoxs]

I had something similar with a a piece of clear monofilament fishing line. Seemed like whatever direction I tried to unwind it, it just wouldn't work. So, I had to do a little surgery, disinfected it, slapped on some Neosporin, and the hen was good to go in less than a day.