The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Cjnewton82 on March 01, 2015, 11:44:59 pm

Title: Birds off there feet
Post by: Cjnewton82 on March 01, 2015, 11:44:59 pm

I have 4 birds off there feet today they are on clean ground which is dry for this time of year and drains well. There is no sign of swelling or cuts on any of the birds but they are all lame on 1foot. The leg they are lame on feel very hot to the touch (so some kind of infection) other than that no symptoms any ideas? For either course of possible treatment

Title: Re: Birds off there feet
Post by: Mammyshaz on March 02, 2015, 12:29:18 am

What breed are they?

Title: Re: Birds off there feet
Post by: chrismahon on March 02, 2015, 07:56:59 am

Sounds like it could be bumble foot caused by jumping from a high perch onto hard ground Cjnewton. Perches should be no more than 18 inches high, preferably with a soft landing underneath like wood shavings. It can develop into an infection in the ball of the foot.


Heavy breeds are most likely to suffer and our old Orpingtons don't like to perch at all. Even on the 9" high ones provided, which have since been taken out.

Title: Re: Birds off there feet
Post by: Cjnewton82 on March 02, 2015, 09:43:33 am

I have Astralorp chickens
They are very big birds.
Thanks for the advice

Title: Re: Birds off there feet
Post by: Womble on March 02, 2015, 11:36:22 am

Chris, would there not be external blistering if it's bumblefoot?  Whenever I've seen it, the hens have had these big brown warty looking things:

(http://www.upc-online.org/winter2008/tsunami-bumble.jpg)

Title: Re: Birds off there feet
Post by: chrismahon on March 02, 2015, 01:42:23 pm

That's the next stage Womble. They swell then the pad skin splits. The brown is leaking puss mixed with soil.