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
- 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
A staph infection treated early may not require antibiotics. If the infection has taken hold then best to consult your vet as antibiotics will most likely be required to beat the infection.