What's up with my hen's foot? Swollen, bent toe...limp...

[BirdyMe]

What do you folks think about this? Has anyone had a similar experience? Is there anything I can do for it?










This is the foot of an old Barred Rock hen of mine. I rescued her last fall, and I noticed that she had a crooked toe at the time. Since then, her left toe has bent backwards and up. Just this week, her foot started swelling a little, and she limping slightly. It was slightly warm to the touch when I took these pictures this morning.

Sorry about poor picture quality....I was taking the pictures, holding the hen, and fending off a cranky goose all at the same time. x)

 

[WI FarmChick]

Here is the link to this site. Do you think it is this? look under the tab External.

http://poultrykeeper.com/poultry-diseases-and-disorders.html

Scaly Leg Mite is caused by a burrowing mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) which causes scaly, raised encrusted scales on the legs. They cause intense irritation to the bird by burrowing under the scales, causing them to become raised and thicken. They are fairly common in Chickens. The scales often look like they are protruding outwards and parts of the scales will come off, making the legs look unsightly. Do not pick the scales off.
There are some old fashioned remedies that are not safe. Do not be tempted to use Creosote or Diesel.

Species Affected: All Poultry
Other Names: Knemidocoptes mutans
Symptoms: Scaly, raised encrusted scales on the legs
Area affected: Legs.
Causes: Knemidocoptes mutans - Mite burrowing under scales.
Transmission: Spread by direct contact with other birds. The mite spends its entire life cycle on the bird.
Diagnosis: Contact with other birds, bringing new birds in that are carriers, raised encrusted scales on legs..
Prevention: Good biosecurity.
Treatment: 1. Soften the scales by using Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly) rubbed into the legs or wash with baby shampoo and scrub legs with a small brush like a toothbrush. 2. To kill the mites, dip legs into surgical spirit once per week for 3 to 4 weeks. Vaseline rubbed in between treatments also helps to suffocate the mite. Ivermectin drops (dropped on the skin behind the neck and on the body) kills mites as well as most common worms and some vets will prescribe this to kill the scaly leg mites. Do not pull off crusts. Scales on the legs can take up to a year to regrow and look normal again.
Risk to Human Health: None known.

 

[amberflea]

What do you folks think about this? Has anyone had a similar experience? Is there anything I can do for it?










This is the foot of an old Barred Rock hen of mine. I rescued her last fall, and I noticed that she had a crooked toe at the time. Since then, her left toe has bent backwards and up. Just this week, her foot started swelling a little, and she limping slightly. It was slightly warm to the touch when I took these pictures this morning.

Sorry about poor picture quality....I was taking the pictures, holding the hen, and fending off a cranky goose all at the same time. x)

It could be bumble foot also. NOT uncommon but needs to be take care of... google it and you can see many pictures.

 

[WI FarmChick]

This is a link to a bumble foot pics and surgery so you can see the difference between the 2.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/bumblefoot-how-to-treat-your-chickens-with-surgery-graphic-pics

What is that black spot on the foot in the middle pic? you might have 2 things happening here.
This is a bumble foot pic.

 

[BirdyMe]

Thanks for the helpful links!

I immediately thought of bumblefoot when I first saw her foot get this way, but there is no scab. The black spot on the bottom of her foot is a clod of mud that got stuck there...I should have dug it out before I took the picture. x)

She does have leg mites. I'm treating her and the rest of the birds that came with her now. I wouldn't think that leg mites would explain that toe though...why is it slowly bending up and back?

 

[klmclain1]

The bending up and back reminds me somewhat of arthritis. You said she's old... you might look that up!

 

[WI FarmChick]

Thanks for the helpful links!

I immediately thought of bumblefoot when I first saw her foot get this way, but there is no scab. The black spot on the bottom of her foot is a clod of mud that got stuck there...I should have dug it out before I took the picture. x)

She does have leg mites. I'm treating her and the rest of the birds that came with her now. I wouldn't think that leg mites would explain that toe though...why is it slowly bending up and back?

You should treat all your chickens. I have heard nu-stock will clear it for you. Good luck.
Mites can do a lot of damage to the legs and feet of chickens.

Did you see the legs in the pic of the bumble foot? notice the scales on the leg...that is what your chickens legs and feet would look like without leg mites.