Bumble Foot
What is bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is a staph infection in the foot pads of a chicken. It is often caused by a tiny scratch, puncture, or other abrasion on a chicken's foot that then becomes infected causing the affected foot to become swollen, red, and tender. You may discover bumble during a routine health check or when your bird begins to limp. Some risk factor for bumble include, large bodied birds (brahmas/meat birds), overweight birds, rough floor surfaces, high roosts, unkept bedding, over grown toe nails, fighting, bullying, and foot or leg injuries.
Treatment:
Always wear gloves when treating bumble as it is a staph infection
1. Clean the affected foot carefully, often times and Epsom salt soak will soften the scab enough to be gently removed.
2. Very gently remove the scab and squeeze lightly to help remove the pus. If it begins to bleed cease treatment for the day and continue with the following steps.
3. Dry the foot and leg thoroughly.
4. Apply Vetricyn, Silver Honey, Prid or another antibacterial spray/ointment made for poultry.
5. Carefully cover the wound with gauze and wrap with coban and athletic tape.
6. If you were unable to get out the kernel (the hard core of pus) then repeat steps 1-4 daily until the kernel is removed.
Important Notes
Chickens do feel pain - being prey animals they often do not show it. If the foot begins to bleed stop. Do not continue to cut, dig, or squeeze.
Pus in chickens is not the same as it is in humans. It will be a hard yellow substance and not liquid or runny.
Some bumble is so severe it may enter the joint or the bloodstream. Seek veterinary care to get a prescription for antibiotics