What to do with this foot?

[townchicks]

I get your frustration, here in California we are also limited in getting antibiotics w/o a vet prescription. At least there is better access to the vets here than what you describe, for those that can afford it. At least we can get the pesticides we need, so far.

 

[Kris5902]

Corid, ivermectin, vaccines, antibiotics, dusting powder... what’s next? Will they take away our vet wrap, elastrator, and blu kote? Sheesh, it’s easier to get a prescription for an opioid human medication than antibiotics for a sheep with mastitis! It’s ok for her udder to rot off because there aren’t any vets in your area that treat farm animals?

 

[Aunt Angus]

I get the WHY...

My son is allergic to any of the "cillans" (penicillan, amoxicillan, and anything related). He breaks out in huge, bloody welts and his throat and tongue swell. So when he was a baby, he had to tough out a lot of infections. I then had my others tough it out, too, for fear of resistant strains. But I can't tell you how many times doctors would try to prescribe antibiotics without testing for actual bacterial infections. So frustrating! I imagine some vets do the same, and I'm sure many animal owners do the same. But there should be some better way to manage it other than make it super expensive and/or impossible to get. I don't have answers... I'm just complaining...

 

[townchicks]

I also get the why, and yes, some vets do hand out antibiotics willy nilly. I know, I used to work at a vet hospital. I have noticed lately that human doctors do seem to be laying off that sort of thing.

 

[WunnySharbit]

Working with a multi-generational farm is extremely challenging, and it sounds like you're making a pretty good go of it. Been there, done that..... The best way to get those chickens into your care--or at least into a better situation--is with a little psychology. Their (relatives') pride has been hurt, and the best way to reach them is to appeal to their pride. Different ideas:
"you have soooo much else to do, you should let me deal with those stinky birds..." "That coop is getting a little dilapidated, don't you think or it's a bit of an eyesore with the rest of the property or ..? We could take it out and put in...an new one or another garden area or a patio/BBQ area or fire pit (using the old timbers for family gatherings or fruit/nut trees or workshop (esp for hobbies/therapy). "We could build a bigger better one so you could get more eggs or, better yet, I'll build a big one and give everyone some eggs and no one would have to worry about the chickens ever again or 'that would give you more time to.....hobby/visit/.....' Also showing them the result of the neglect (without actually calling it that) may help "it decreases their egg production or ..."
Based on my own experience, I worry that an approach that is too confrontational may create a rift in the family......including yours....

 

[Kris5902]

there should be some better way to manage it other than make it super expensive and/or impossible to get. I don't have answers... I'm just complaining...

Me too! Thanks for being patient with my ranting...

 

[Kris5902]

Working with a multi-generational farm is extremely challenging, and it sounds like you're making a pretty good go of it. Been there, done that..... The best way to get those chickens into your care--or at least into a better situation--is with a little psychology. Their (relatives') pride has been hurt, and the best way to reach them is to appeal to their pride. Different ideas:
"you have soooo much else to do, you should let me deal with those stinky birds..." "That coop is getting a little dilapidated, don't you think or it's a bit of an eyesore with the rest of the property or ..? We could take it out and put in...an new one or another garden area or a patio/BBQ area or fire pit (using the old timbers for family gatherings or fruit/nut trees or workshop (esp for hobbies/therapy). "We could build a bigger better one so you could get more eggs or, better yet, I'll build a big one and give everyone some eggs and no one would have to worry about the chickens ever again or 'that would give you more time to.....hobby/visit/.....' Also showing them the result of the neglect (without actually calling it that) may help "it decreases their egg production or ..."
Based on my own experience, I worry that an approach that is too confrontational may create a rift in the family......including yours....

That is basically the track I’m taking with it, it’s not fast... and it’s frustrating, but I think it’s slowly working

 

[Kris5902]

So, not a huge update for the foot situation, but I promise no pesticide and medication rants

I’ve been away since Wednesday, and got in late last night. Today when I went to check on (I really should name her)’s foot I found the chickens had not been fed/watered for at least a full day. Both groups of not my chickens... they made quite the ruckus when they heard me. So all that taken care of we moved onto the pedicure...

She’s walking well, was quite feisty, and not very happy with the attention. The lice are all gone now, much to both our reliefs (thank you carbaryl dusting powder while I still have it!). And I also learned that not all camera help is equal, so I don’t have the best pics.

Pre-soaking: you may notice the skin on her “good foot” (with the missing toe) was extremely dry and almost chapped looking

Post-soaking:

This is one of the three most concerning toes still:

So I’m going to be going back to daily or every other day pedicures, and we will see how things go from here. At least I’m not going to be worried about their food/water situation now that I’m back!

 

[townchicks]

The parts that aren't black are looking really healthy, seems like a good sign to me, if the ends are dead, that there isn't infection spreading up the toe. It's a very good sign that she's walking now too. Go ahead and name her, you earned it.

 

[Kris5902]

The parts that aren't black are looking really healthy, seems like a good sign to me, if the ends are dead, that there isn't infection spreading up the toe. It's a very good sign that she's walking now too. Go ahead and name her, you earned it.

Thanks, I’m open to suggestions on the name... and a lot of the black spots look worse because I’ve been spraying with blu kote anytime there’s even a bit of bleeding. I do think she might end up losing a few more toe tips... but I’m hoping they look worse than they are.