what is wrong with this chicken foot? Pictures attached

[coach723]

The first time you get some pus out, you will know what is and isn't. Sometimes you can feel it in there, it's harder than the healthy tissue feels. It is not my favorite thing to do, but the sooner it's taken care of the better. The worse it gets the worse it is to clean out and the longer it takes to heal. Give yourself a block of time, take your time, and stop and take a moment to breathe if necessary. If it bleeds just use paper towels or gauze and put pressure on it til it stops and you can continue. If you have someone to help, all the better, but I have done this by myself many times. If you lay her on her back wrapped in a towel and put a small cloth over her head, they usually lay pretty still. A vet that sees birds will do it for you if you have access to one and the cost is an option for you.

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree with Coach323 and it is bumblefoot. She has provided good threads to read. Some prefer soaking for a few days to soften the scab. I usually go ahead and do surgery if it looks like that, and there is swelling, a big scab, and it is painful. There is pus inside the wound like a core of yellow cheese. It may require a lot of squeezing from different angles. You may have to open it up and dig a bit. Here is a video by the ChickenChick of the surgery:

 

[cmaranhao]

I am not sure if I can do this. I know this is the only way to help her but just knowing I have to make cuts I already feel nervous about it.

Do you think it is possible to remove the plug without cutting? I will try again tomorrow with more warm water to make it soft and try to remove the plug.

My wife is even more scared than me and I am alone with this which does not make it easier.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I understand completely!

You can do it without cutting *if* you can get the pus plug out by squeezing. Try that first.

And the other foot doesn't look like it needs cutting at all. Get the scab off (I usually use a fingernail - gloved, of course). Then do as previously suggested: treat with antibiotic ointment and wrap it.

 

[cmaranhao]

ok, I will try it first thing in the morning.

one more question: when the plug comes out, do I need to do some more squeezing? for example in that video we can see a huge piece of rotten flesh coming out after the squeeze.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I would say it depends on what it looks like when you get the pus out. I've seen that video, and that's not what I saw with my Cochin's foot. But maybe you should try, just to make sure you've gotten out as much of the infection as you can.

Just be aware that you'll have to squeeze pretty forcefully. Their pus is pretty hard.

 

[cmaranhao]

so hard? another reason I am doubtful of managing this. not hurting the bird is always on my mind.

 

[Aunt Angus]

It will be uncomfortable for the chicken, but my girl tolerated it well. It will be much more painful if that infection worsens. It's a staph infection, and it can spread and ultimately kill if not treated.

And give lots of love and treats after!

 

[coach723]

They tolerate it really well. I know it's unpleasant, but it will feel MUCH better with all that infection out. I had a rooster that had it really bad in both feet and it took multiple times to get it all out, over a year to get all healed. That is worst case scenario and NOT the norm. I think it's like dental work, the anticipation is worse than the reality most of the time. Every foot is different and you really don't know until you get in there and remove it. If you are lucky it will be a central core that will come out first time, and it will heal up fine. Just do the best you can and take your time.

 

[Eggcessive]

There are a lot of ways that bumblefoot is handled. There is Tricide Neo a drug for koi where soaking the foot for days may help to get the scab and kernel out without sugery. I opted for surgery with my chickens because I did not have the patients to soak their feet. Your vet might do the surgery, but it is not hard to learn. If you have a family member or friend who is a nurse, they might be willing to help.

Is your chicken limping or favoring the leg? Not all bumblefoot needs surgery. Your vet may want to try antibiotics. Here is a link about the Tricide Neo to read:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/tricide-neo-for-bumblefoot-still-recommended.681495/