Yikes - first time Bumblefoot incident!

[FlockParty]

Hello all,

Lana needs your help! I've been reading up on Bumblefoot today because I caught one of my hens limping a bit. I made her a footbath and after a few minutes picked her up and looked and found a big black dot that wouldn't wash off. So I grabbed it and tugged and most of it came off. I'm not sure if I need to go in more or not. I rinced it in an Epson Salt bath and then put triple antibiotic on the cut and covered it with duct... err um, chicken tape. I plan to give her a footbath every day if I'm home until it's gone, but any advise would be appreciated.

 

[doublecrossranch]

Following. I have a hen that has been limping.

 

[kerbotx]

I hope you were kidding about the duct tape... Here's a good tutorial to get you started, until others chime in: https://the-chicken-chick.com/bumblefoot-causes-treatment-warning/

 

[HeyHo]

I'm in the same boat as you! I consulted the chicken chick website mentioned above and the following: https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/

How did your hen handle the first treatment? Mine were very good about it (and quite funny), but I was too timid to dig out all of the pus the first day. I didn't want to hurt them. But they seem to be doing so well , I'm just monitoring for now.

 

[FlockParty]

I was way too timid to try and dig at anything the first day. Plus my partner holding the hen wasn't very supportive, he was uncomfortable sitting there holding her. I think he suggested we just eat the hen about 5 times, but I worked through it.

Lana didn't struggle once I pulled the initial black dot off her foot. I'm thinking there's a 'kernel' in there still and this will be a day to day event until I get the nerve to dig and get it done.

I won't use duct tape again. Someone actually suggested using small strips for this instance and that's what I did and it seemed to work good and Lana was walking around good after. I think I might have to find myself a scalpel or a nice sharp razor.

 

[FlockParty]

Checked Lana this morning. The area looked a little more inflamed. So surgery, drawing salve... something is going to be done soon. I've got a triple antibiotic ointment and some Blu-Kote. Is Vetericyn still needed too? I ordered some drawing salve because I've heard some good things in addition to regular soaking. And some Vetrap will be coming with it.

While I was at it, I decided to check all the girl's feet today and found 2 small Bumble dots on another girl. I guess I'll be getting some experience point in the coming months!

 

[FlockParty]

UPDATE: So we performed our first Bumble operation. We used a scalpel after lots of soaking and got somewhere, but it's been 2 days since and I'm sure we have to go back in. I'm leaving her for two days to recoup, mentally as well as physically.

We found some thorns in their run that is likely the cause. That's gone! I'm happy knowing we can move forward and prevent possible future Bumbles, but Lana is far from out of the weeds.

My question today, after watching many videos, do I need to give my girl antibiotics during this Bumble extraction? She looks to be in great spirits and eating just as much as usual. I don't know much about antibiotics because I was planning on not using them, but what is the protocol everyone follows here?

(((chicky hugs)))