Whats wrong with his toes? -UPDATE and ??

[needmorechickens!]

Today I noticed my cockerels back toenails look like they are going to fall off on both feet...

He seems to be eating, drinking, and mating ok. I have seen him standing around on one foot...maybe one hurts?

What could cause this? What should I do to help him?

~Rebecca

 

[smith2]

I have no idea what this is but I am curious to see what others say it might be. It almost looks like something is chewing on them? Could you have mice or rats attacking him at night? Just an idea. They also look like they could have "dry rot"--usually from a poor blood supply? Has he been really cold or had his feet in an icy area?

This is definitely a mystery!

 

[needmorechickens!]

He usually roosts at night with most of the others and they don't have this problem. I looked for things that he could be getting them hung on, but didn't find anything.

I don't think we have rats, but I know I have some mice to get rid of out there.

He has some frostbite on his comb, but not too bad.

Any other ideas? Especially what can I do to stop the damage or help?
~Rebecca

 

[pips&peeps]

The hens are doing this. They think that his feet look odd and are pecking him.

If you stand outside the coop and listen, you will hear him everytime he gets picked.

You might want to get him on some antibiotics in case he gets some staph in those toes.


Edited - Because I cannot spell.....

 

[FarmGirl01]

I have seen frost bite on toes before. It sorta looks looks like that. See what others might think.

 

[sammi]

I tend to agree with "Pips and Peeps"
he could have had a bit of frostbite, or some sort of injury that got them started pecking him..

this is a problem..
if this is the cause, they will continue eating his feet.
any blood spot or irregularity will attract them to peck.
maybe try separating him for a bit till he heals up anyway.
try some Blue Kote spray ..you'll find it in the horse or livestock section of farm/feed stores..
wear gloves when applying..it's purple/blue and will stain..but it will help discourage pecking and acts as an anti-infective.

first treat any wounds with peroxide or diluted betadine or neosporin..

I think my foot would be sore, too.

 

[SterlingAcres]

Pips is right. He's getting pecked. My hens have done it to each other before. As far as standing on one foot, all my birds do that throughout the day. Nothing out of the ordinary there.

 

[needmorechickens!]

Ok, I am hesitant to seperate him because I am afraid he would not keep warm.
Is it possible to bandage him or is there anything strong enough to stay on?
He is not used to being handled so it is stressful for him.
Can I soak his feet in Epsom salt water to clean and disinfect?
This is what I have to work with...

ACV (with mother)
Terramycin powder
Neosporin
Aureomycin powder
Epsom Salt

If I get some Blu-Kote, how often will I have to apply it?

Anyone else have advice? I am going to start treatment when I get home from work today.
~Rebecca

 

[smith2]

Pecking certainly sounds reasonable. I would put neosporin on the site first. Then, I would try Blue Coat or a tar based product over the neosporin. Then, give it some time. Could you bring him in for a few nights just to give him a rest and a chance to heal the areas?

 

[needmorechickens!]

Anyone else? I am going to clean his feet off tonight and put some BlueKote on....if I can get one of my teenagers to help me...they just don't understand why I love chickens!
~Rebecca