Chicken Health | BUMBLEFOOT
What is Bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is an infection caused by bacteria. It is usually the result of some sort of injury to the foot, such as a cut, scratch, graze, puncture or even a bruise, that then becomes infected. Because chickens are quite hardy, the initial injury often isn't noticed and the exposed wound then contracts bumblefoot.
This is a bulbous swelling of the footpad and surrounding tissue or around the claws caused by a staphylococcus aureus infection in a wound due to a small cut or a crack in the skin. Staphylococcus aureus lives in the soil everywhere so birds can pick it up at any time, especially if the environmental conditions are right. Often heavy breed birds are more susceptible.
Symptoms
- Small scab on foot with pus below. Infection will grow bigger with time if left untreated.
- Swollen foot pad/foot
- Possibly limping and lamness
Prevention
- Maintain a clean chicken coop - regular coop cleans with fresh wood shavings
- Set perches low
- Check perches are smooth and have no splinters or rough edges
- Remove sharp objects, screws, staples, bits of wire from chicken run
- Good layer of floor litter on hen house floor to soften landings
- Check feet regularly for early signs as easier to treat
Treatment
To treat bumblefoot, first wash and soak the affected foot in warm water with Epsom salts to soften the scab and pus-filled core. Standing the hen in warm water for around ten minutes will help to soften the feet and relieve swelling. Gently remove the core using a sterile instrument and thoroughly clean the wound with a hydrogen peroxide solution or antiseptic, then pack it with an antibiotic ointment or honey. The wound should be bandaged to keep it clean and protect it, and redressed every few days. Keep the affected bird on soft bedding to reduce stress on the foot. If the infection has taken hold then best to consult your vet as antibiotics will most likely be required to beat the infection.
Check Your Flocks Feet Regularly | Monitor Their Movements
Clean the Wound
Flush the cavity with a solution of hydrogen peroxide to clean out any pus and debris. Apply Wound Care Plus which has natural antibacterial properties, to the wound. It harnesses the power of Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) for effective wound healing. It promotes a sterile environment crucial for wound recovery.
Superficial Wounds
Yes, you can use Nettex Wound Spray for bumblefoot in chickens, as it's an effective cleanser with antibacterial action to treat minor wounds and prevent infection, but you should only use it for superficial issues. For deep or infected bumblefoot wounds best to consult a veterinarian.
Use Wood Shavings
Do not place roosts too high in hen housing. Make sure your hen house floor has a good layer of wood shavings on the floor. A soft landing (decent) each day off the roost will help to avoid bumblefoot developing. Postion roosts no more that knee high off the floor, especially for heavy breed hens like Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons.
Instant Energy
Nettex Poultry Power Drops are a fast acting pick-me-up supplement for chickens packed full of energy and immune supporting vitamins.
Helps support birds during periods of stress and illness, including the introduction of new birds to the flock, periods of warm weather or following illness.