Topic of the Week - Bumblefoot - Prevention and Treatment

[KettermanHillCoop]

I found this interesting:
View attachment 1229629
https://hari.ca/avian-care/health-monitoring/symptoms-treatment-bumblefoot-parrots/

What does a new chicken keeper look for? Signs that a chicken may be developing this problem? Is there a "Symptom Chart"? My "kids" don't let me pick them up yet, so routine examination of their piggies up close and personal isn't an option.

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

What does a new chicken keeper look for? Signs that a chicken may be developing this problem? Is there a "Symptom Chart"? My "kids" don't let me pick them up yet, so routine examination of their piggies up close and personal isn't an option.

Are you the person who "found" your flock near your workplace? If so, loved your story, and I'm glad you're still here.

The best way to check is when they are roosting, just take a peek at their feet , and look for any strange bulges. If everyone is walking and behaving normally, there is no need for concern.

Again, I went a year and half or so of chicken owning before I ever saw this problem. I feel it started showing up when I had a different coop setup. If your roosts are not too high, you may never see it.

 

[KettermanHillCoop]

Are you the person who "found" your flock near your workplace? If so, loved your story, and I'm glad you're still here.

The best way to check is when they are roosting, just take a peek at their feet , and look for any strange bulges. If everyone is walking and behaving normally, there is no need for concern.

Again, I went a year and half or so of chicken owning before I ever saw this problem. I feel it started showing up when I had a different coop setup. If your roosts are not too high, you may never see it.

Ha! Yes, I am...although my flock "found" me! lol I'm glad you enjoyed my saga. I'm still here and still learning.

They sit on their on feet when they sleep though? Is there any "limping" signs or such that I can look for until they let me pick them up? I don't see anything right now that would cause me concern, I'd just like to keep the knowledge on the back burner just in case.

Thanks!

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

You would see limping, or them sitting more frequently during the day. Sometimes, you will see them holding their foot up, more than usual. The more time you spend with your birds, the more you will notice when something is amiss.

They do sleep on their feet at night, but you can also gently push their breast up a little and take a peek underneath.

 

[lazy gardener]

Never had issue with it.

 

[Abriana]

I have two hens I have a bit of concern about. One has very mild Bumblefoot on one foot (the other one cleared up completely by itself. Anyone had this happen?) and a GLW hen with some on both feet. The scabs are big and thick but no lameness and no apparent pain. I recently noticed it. What can I do? Does anyone have experience with surgery? I’m worried she’ll be in pain if I do surgery (yes I baby them ). Anyone have non surgery cures?

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

I have two hens I have a bit of concern about. One has very mild Bumblefoot on one foot (the other one cleared up completely by itself. Anyone had this happen?) and a GLW hen with some on both feet. The scabs are big and thick but no lameness and no apparent pain. I recently noticed it. What can I do? Does anyone have experience with surgery? I’m worried she’ll be in pain if I do surgery (yes I baby them ). Anyone have non surgery cures?

That's wonderful if the one cleared up by itself. The best thing to do with GLW would be to post some pictures here or on another thread so others can chime in. A picture speaks a thousand words! Sometimes, if it is a large dark scab, all that is needed is a soak and pulling the "plug" or scab off, treating it with antibiotics, and a bandage. Again, a picture would really help.

I wasn't sure I could do surgery either, but I was able to do it a few time unassisted. It's not as bad as you think, and though uncomfortable, it ultimately will provide relief.

 

[BantamBetty]

I have heard that many people who catch it early in their flock will soak it in Epsom salt for 10 minutes each day for 3-4 days.

 

[Sylvester017]

You can find it on line. It is for fish, actually.

Yep, everything is found online - was hoping it was on a store shelf somewhere LOL!

 

[Sylvester017]

I have heard that many people who catch it early in their flock will soak it in Epsom salt for 10 minutes each day for 3-4 days.

Yep, seems there are different methods that are successful depending on the degree of advancement in the infection.