What to do with this foot?

[MissChick@dee]

I’m surprised the skin underneath looks pretty good. For some reason I was expecting something that would look like hamburger meat. Kris you’ve got to feel good about the difference your care has made. Good job!

 

[aart]

I think it is. What I look for is this. When they get those full circumference lines I usually take those toes off.
View attachment 1625132

Was wondering if something got wrapped around toe.
Also wonder about scale 'beds'...if they are still viable or toast....don't know much about leg scales...how often, or even if, they 'molt' and are replaced.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Wow, that's looking better already. Keep doing whatever you're doing. That lack of scales will help, too- fewer places for mites to hide. Make sure you apply your chosen mite-smothering solution all the way up to where the feathers start, past that if you can. I'd also suggest giving her some treats after you're done, if she'll take them, to reduce her stress a little bit.

 

[Kris5902]

Ditto Dat.....is some of the 'darkness' blukote?

The blu kote is visible in the 2nd set of pics... any darkness in the first set is debris/ mite c**p. I’m Leary of sharing because yes, these are awful pics and it’s not a good situation, but I need help and guidance, so I’m willing to put this out, hoping for help and to provide an example of how bad things can get so we can help others not to have to face this.

I’m not proud of where this situation is at... I also dropped the ball in leaving them in the care of others, I thought I had gotten the situation to a manageable state, and I have failed these chickens. I should have checked in more often.

 

[Aunt Angus]

The blu kote is visible in the 2nd set of pics... any darkness in the first set is debris/ mite c**p. I’m Leary of sharing because yes, these are awful pics and it’s not a good situation, but I need help and guidance, so I’m willing to put this out, hoping for help and to provide an example of how bad things can get so we can help others not to have to face this.

I’m not proud of where this situation is at... I also dropped the ball in leaving them in the care of others, I thought I had gotten the situation to a manageable state, and I have failed these chickens. I should have checked in more often.

Sharing is very helpful for others. We are all learning together. And you need to show yourself some compassion. I doubt there was any way to know how things would turn out.

But I understand completely. I had to put one of my kitties down a couple of months ago. He was very old and had FIV. I keep thinking about that. If I'd have just kept him indoors, he wouldn't have gotten it from fighting with an infected neighborhood cat. My hubby insisted it was better for him to be able to roam. I shouldn't have listened. Our one remaining kitty is only indoors.

Hindsight is a b*tch....

 

[Kris5902]

There was a little more bleeding where the buildup was the worst... some large chunks of debris (scales? like hardened calluses and dead skin) came off with gentle rubbing after the soaking... she is definitely very hungry and thirsty... she loves when I I hold her food up for her and is getting more and more feisty. I re-coated with the Vaseline. Will post more pics tomorrow of her progress...

Hopefully my problems will help others.

 

[casportpony]

I think you're doing a great job!

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

Kudos to you Kris! You are doing such a great job with her. Best of luck and bear hugs to you and those precious, neglected birds!

 

[Fishkeeper]

If you're considering amputating the dead bits of toe (which may be a good idea), I'd start first by seeing if she has any sensation at all in those areas. Get a (sterilized via heat or alcohol) needle and poke the black areas. If she doesn't respond to a prick, try deeper. If she doesn't respond to it at all, those areas are definitely dead and should probably be removed, careful not to cut into the fleshy bits. They'll probably fall off on their own anyway, but if they're definitely dead and have no sensation, removing them would probably be good.

 

[ShannonR]

Have you trimmed the toenails back yet? That might make her comfortable enough to start standing on that leg a little bit