Bumblefoot in Chickens Treatment Guide

Bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis, is a common condition that affects chickens and other birds. It is characterized by the development of hard, scabby lesions on the feet, often accompanied by swelling and lameness. Bumblefoot can be caused by a variety of factors, including cuts or punctures on the feet, obesity, and poor quality bedding.

If left untreated, bumblefoot can lead to serious complications for your chicken, including infection and even amputation of the affected foot. Therefore, it's important to identify and treat bumblefoot as soon as possible.

Here's a guide to treating bumblefoot in chickens:

1. Identify the symptoms. Bumblefoot typically causes swelling and lameness in the affected foot, as well as the development of hard, scabby lesions. If you notice these symptoms in your chicken, it's important to take action as soon as possible.

2. Clean and disinfect the affected foot. Use a mild soap and warm water to gently clean the foot, being careful not to cause further irritation or damage. Then, apply a disinfectant such as F10 Ointment to the foot to help prevent infection. You can apply the ointment for a few days prior to treatment to reduce swelling.

3. Lukewarm Epsom salt bathe to help soften the wound (Scab-like texture)

4. Remove the scab. Using a sterilized scalpel or art knife or sharp pair of scissors, carefully cut away the scab and any infected tissue from the foot. Be sure to clean your tools thoroughly before and after use to avoid spreading infection.

5. After surgery, apply F10 ointment. After removing the scab, apply an antibiotic or disinfecting ointment to the affected foot to help prevent infection and promote healing. Be sure to follow the instructions on the ointment packaging and apply it as directed. Ointment reapplication recommended daily. Recovery took less than a week!

6. Protect the foot. To help prevent further irritation and damage to the affected foot, consider using a foot pad or medical wrap to protect it. These products can be purchased at most pet supply stores or online.

7. Keep the coop clean and dry. To prevent future occurrences of bumblefoot, it's important to maintain a clean and dry coop environment. This includes providing high-quality bedding, cleaning up feces and wet spots regularly, and keeping your birds clean.

8. Wait for Chicken's feet to be back to normal! Do check regularly for your chickens as our wet weather period allows for bacteria to grow easily.