URGENT -Applied Vaseline last night to legs. Turned black.

[checkingon]

Oh, please help. I applied Vaseline last night to Kingy’s legs. Why is it black today? I just noticed it. He just finished his dinner.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Could be dirt is stuck to the Vaseline. Have you caught him and looked up close?

 

[checkingon]

Could be dirt is stuck to the Vaseline. Have you caught him and looked up close?

No,I didn’t get to pick him up as to not stresss him out. I know it’s not dirt. We were working half the day fixing up the chicken coop while having them in a cage. These birds are not human handled as they were free-ranging chickens. After all these years, you’d think they would get used to me but - unfortunately not. I only inspected him from 3-4 feet away.

 

[BYC910]

Why Vaseline ?Just Vaseline ? nothing mixed in ? Is he limping or showing signs of pain from the leg?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Could be dirt is stuck to the Vaseline. Have you caught him and looked up close?

X2 I would tend to think that dirt is sticking to the legs making them look black. One time I applied A+D ointment to one leg of my rooster to soothe a sore spot - he was a BO and had naturally white legs - dust and dirt stuck to the ointment and he walked around looking funny - 1 white leg and 1 very dark leg - it eventually wore off.

@checkingon if you can inspect him more closely and let us know, we would appreciate it.

 

[checkingon]

X2 I would tend to think that dirt is sticking to the legs making them look black. One time I applied A+D ointment to one leg of my rooster to soothe a sore spot - he was a BO and had naturally white legs - dust and dirt stuck to the ointment and he walked around looking funny - 1 white leg and 1 very dark leg - it eventually wore off.

@checkingon if you can inspect him more closely and let us know, we would appreciate it.

They just went inside the coop. Will do a check tonight.

Sorry for all the pics. I don't know how to delete and my fingers went beserk. I know night time will not be the best time but it's easier for us to hold him securely and when he's calm. Will try to wash his legs? Could it be bad circulation? After tonight, I'll check again tomorrow. See the stone by his legs? He tripped over it and stumbled after I took the picture.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

What color were his legs? It doesn't look like dead tissue, just irritated scales. Is he sick? He looks rough and you said he's stumbling.

 

[Cryss]

I'm really new at this but I think I read somewhere here that you shouldn't Vaseline the legs. When they roost at night they squat down covering their legs and feet (which is what keeps the legs warm) so the Vaseline will get all over their belly feathers. Greasy feathers can't fluff to hold heat in. At least thats how I understood it.

 

[checkingon]

Thank you for your concern. I’ve since stopped using it. I think the best thing is to call on a vet is possible but I didn’t have one available.

 

[Chickassan]

How old is this fella? Firstly you didn't do this to him he looks like he has an awful case of leg mites so the Vaseline was much needed. I'm looking at his feather condition and toenails honestly his whole body condition looks bad. He really might have a circulatory issue especially if he's pretty old and hasn't had much care or nutritional support.