What to do with this foot?

[Fishkeeper]

Have you showed her feet to whoever's responsible for those conditions? Might drive home that this is important.
I'd suggest NOT pulling on the scales, at all. Let them soak, let them fall off if they want to fall off, maybe scrub gently with a toothbrush or something, but don't try to get them off.
If she does lose toe joints, or toes, she should still be okay if given some degree of care. I've seen feral pigeons missing all the toes off one foot and walking just fine. I'd suggest looking into pain relief methods for her, as well.

Have you considered reporting the owners for animal cruelty? I'd say that qualifies, that degree of confinement and filth.

 

[Kris5902]

My husband and I have moved to the farm to transition into managing it from his Aunt. I now primarily care for the cattle, and we are trying to improve the husbandry for the chickens. I’m in my mid thirties he is in his early forties... his two Aunts and Father have been running the farm for the last 30 years or so and are in their mid to late sixties now. There is a mindset of “well this is how we have always done things so it is just fine”.

The coop was just for laying/night shelter when it was originally built by his grandparents, but they moved away from free ranging 20-30 years ago. The chickens, being primarily for personal use, have been neglected and crowded. The sheep and cattle are very well taken care of, as are the farm dogs and horses.

It’s just breaking the “traditional chicken raising” ideas which is hard. I try to put in a dust bath... why? They don’t need that! Oyster shells? Why? Nevermind when I started washing their feet and rubbing vasaline into their legs! I’m just crazy apparently... and we won’t talk about their water, ok? I fixed it, they have nipples now, so much better for them!

Baby steps... yes I will show the pictures, and I will continue to treat her... and no more chickens will go into that hell, not if I can help it! I am getting more wood on Thursday for more chicken tractors... of course shutting the door is too much trouble... it’s a slow battle, but I am winning it bit by bit.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

My husband and I have moved to the farm to transition into managing it from his Aunt. I now primarily care for the cattle, and we are trying to improve the husbandry for the chickens. I’m in my mid thirties he is in his early forties... his two Aunts and Father have been running the farm for the last 30 years or so and are in their mid to late sixties now. There is a mindset of “well this is how we have always done things so it is just fine”.

The coop was just for laying/night shelter when it was originally built by his grandparents, but they moved away from free ranging 20-30 years ago. The chickens, being primarily for personal use, have been neglected and crowded. The sheep and cattle are very well taken care of, as are the farm dogs and horses.

It’s just breaking the “traditional chicken raising” ideas which is hard. I try to put in a dust bath... why? They don’t need that! Oyster shells? Why? Nevermind when I started washing their feet and rubbing vasaline into their legs! I’m just crazy apparently... and we won’t talk about their water, ok? I fixed it, they have nipples now, so much better for them!

Baby steps... yes I will show the pictures, and I will continue to treat her... and no more chickens will go into that hell, not if I can help it! I am getting more wood on Thursday for more chicken tractors... of course shutting the door is too much trouble... it’s a slow battle, but I am winning it bit by bit.

Wow you have taken on a lot!! But I've gotta say, it sounds like such an adventure! I can imagine how it is a slow battle, but as you say, you are winning it bit by bit, and you will get there. My grandparents and now my parents would be of the same opinion - this is how it was always done etc.
One day you will look back upon these days and and be so glad you stuck with it.
Just wanted to say well done, I followed one of your other threads recently. How inspirational you are. (I have no advice for you, just well done and stick with it!).

 

[Kris5902]

Wow you have taken on a lot!! But I've gotta say, it sounds like such an adventure! I can imagine how it is a slow battle, but as you say, you are winning it bit by bit, and you will get there. My grandparents and now my parents would be of the same opinion - this is how it was always done etc.
One day you will look back upon these days and and be so glad you stuck with it.
Just wanted to say well done, I followed one of your other threads recently. How inspirational you are. (I have no advice for you, just well done and stick with it!).

Thanks... it’s sometimes overwhelming, and it’s a 365 days a year job... but I really am happier here and working with animals, even food animals, than I was in the city and working retail for the last decade and a bit. I might not have a clue when it comes to some things, but I’m learning and everyone here is so helpful.

 

[MissChick@dee]

I can only imagine the overwhelming feeling of heartache for these birds. It’s sad how they were cared for before you came along.
I sit here and think what would I do? I know Canada has such tight restrictions on just about everything!
Had a thought. The skin underneath (once you get the scales off) is going to be raw and really open for infection. Why not use diaper rash cream-you could find that right? Diaper rash cream has zinc oxide in it. That would be helpful for tender new skin and infection. And the tissue could breathe unlike Vaseline or oil. You could probably find a generic brand and a little goes a long way. Please keep us updated. Best wishes

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I can only imagine the overwhelming feeling of heartache for these birds. It’s sad how they were cared for before you came along.
I sit here and think what would I do? I know Canada has such tight restrictions on just about everything!
Had a thought. The skin underneath (once you get the scales off) is going to be raw and really open for infection. Why not use diaper rash cream-you could find that right? Diaper rash cream has zinc oxide in it. That would be helpful for tender new skin and infection. And the tissue could breathe unlike Vaseline or oil. You could probably find a generic brand and a little goes a long way. Please keep us updated. Best wishes

Good Idea!!!


@Kris5902 You have been getting good suggestions and ideas! I have nothing to add, but to wish you well in your endeavors.
I can't imagine how frustrating it must be, but you are doing good. Keep at it girl

 

[Eggcessive]

I agree with others that you are doing a great job trying to get the animals back to good health. I just wanted to point out that most creams and ointments have vaseline or petrolatum as their base, including zinc oxide cream. It is not a bad thing really, and is safe enough to put into our eyes. Keep up the good work, but don’t wear yourself down. It can be hard figuring out how to handle trying to suggest new ways to do things to older folks set in their way.

 

[Kris5902]

Thank you all! Baby aspirin in the water for pain, diaper rash cream, Epsom salts, soapy water. I have access to all these things. Is there a list somewhere here, or maybe someone knowledgeable could put one in as a reference material, of non prescription and Over-the-counter human medications that are safe for use in chickens as well as those to avoid like lidocaine?

Once I found out about “Caine” drugs and realized how different their anatomy is it scared me from using human meds on them. We don’t all have access to vets that will treat our birds, or even the regular tractor supply arsenal of vet meds available to most in the USA, but aspirin and diaper cream? I’m betting you can find that pretty much everywhere! (developing countries, countries that decided to restrict Vet meds to “prescriptions for everything!”, and the like)

 

[Aunt Angus]

My husband and I have moved to the farm to transition into managing it from his Aunt. I now primarily care for the cattle, and we are trying to improve the husbandry for the chickens. I’m in my mid thirties he is in his early forties... his two Aunts and Father have been running the farm for the last 30 years or so and are in their mid to late sixties now. There is a mindset of “well this is how we have always done things so it is just fine”.

The coop was just for laying/night shelter when it was originally built by his grandparents, but they moved away from free ranging 20-30 years ago. The chickens, being primarily for personal use, have been neglected and crowded. The sheep and cattle are very well taken care of, as are the farm dogs and horses.

It’s just breaking the “traditional chicken raising” ideas which is hard. I try to put in a dust bath... why? They don’t need that! Oyster shells? Why? Nevermind when I started washing their feet and rubbing vasaline into their legs! I’m just crazy apparently... and we won’t talk about their water, ok? I fixed it, they have nipples now, so much better for them!

Baby steps... yes I will show the pictures, and I will continue to treat her... and no more chickens will go into that hell, not if I can help it! I am getting more wood on Thursday for more chicken tractors... of course shutting the door is too much trouble... it’s a slow battle, but I am winning it bit by bit.

You go, girl! I'm glad you are taking charge! You are basically staging a revolution on that farm (dare I say it - a "coop" d'etat). Culture is the hardest thing to change. That small progress you are making is commendable! You, quite literally, are changing and saving lives!

 

[Eggcessive]

Coop d’etat, that is clever! Ha ha ha.