If you notice that your chicken is limping or acting out of place, it can be concerning.This could be an indication of bumblefoot, a common ailment.Chicken infections are usually caused by a cut on the chicken's foot or a lack of pressure on food.The most severe grade is grade 5.You can usually treat bumblefoot at home, though you may need antibiotics from a vet for grades 4-5.A few basic materials and some patience are what you will need.It's a good idea to go to the vet if the infection is severe.
Step 1: The sink should be filled with warm water and salt.
If you bring your chicken to your house, it will be nice and warm.The water in the sink should be a little warmer than the room temperature.Inflammation will be alleviated by the use of the Epsom salt.It will be easier if you soak the foot.The bathroom is a good choice if you want to bathe your chicken's foot.You can help your chicken feel more secure by closing the door.You don't need to use soap to clean the foot while it soaks.
Step 2: Wrap your chicken in a towel and take it to the bathroom.
Put your chicken in a bath towel to prevent it from flapping its wings.You can wrap the towel around the chicken if it's tame.The foot should be washed in the sink.It will be more comfortable soaking its feet if it is wrapped.A friend can help you hold your chicken during this process.If the chicken is agitated, try talking in a soothing voice.
Step 3: If you have to, slice the scab with a scalpel.
The infection is advanced if there is a brownish-black scab.Minor surgery is needed if that is the case.The scab should have softened considerably after soaking.The scalpel can be used to remove the scab from the chicken's foot.You can use a gloved hand to try and remove the black area if you don't have a scalpel.If you want to remove the scab, wiggle it loose and pry it away.If it doesn't come off easily, try soaking the foot for 10 more minutes.You don't have to remove anything else.It's not necessary to dig into the foot or remove the skin around it.There will be a red area if you catch bumblefoot early on.You can skip this step if that is the case.
Step 4: The foot should be dry and sprayed with Vetericyn.
pat the foot dry with a clean towel after the soak.There is a wound and skincare product for animals.You can buy it online or in a pet supply shop.The bottle has directions for spraying it on the foot.You can use honey to cover the wound.You won't have to worry about the foot making a mess after applying honey.
Step 5: Wrap the foot with something.
Keep the wound covered for a few days to make sure it heals.You can use vet wrap.Attach the wounded foot to the material with medical tape.It should be snug and secure but not so tight that it hurts the chicken.
Step 6: For a few days, keep the chicken separate from the other chickens.
Place your chicken in a temporary home while it heals.A quiet corner of your home could be where this crate or box is located.Hay or other material can be spread on the bottom of the box.Don't put a roosting perch in a temporary home.The chicken should not jump up and down for a while.
Step 7: It should be added to it's diet to promote healing.
Feed your chicken a normal diet, but give it an extra boost of calories.Chicken high-protein treats like mealworms and sunflower seeds should be offered during the healing process.Adding vitamins and electrolytes to your chicken's water can speed healing.bumblefoot will be prevented from coming back.Ask your vet if they recommend a good product.
Step 8: The bandage needs to be changed every couple of days.
It might take a couple of weeks for your chicken to walk normally.The bandage should be changed whenever it gets dirty or ragged.You may need to do this every few days.Sometimes the bandages will last for a week.
Step 9: The chicken should be monitored for signs of disease.
While you are treating bumblefoot, keep an eye on your chicken.There is redness and warmth around the wound.Contact your vet if you notice these symptoms.It is a good idea to take your chicken to the vet if you have any concerns.They can prescribe antibiotics to help clear up the problem.
Step 10: It's a good idea to clean the coop.
A clean environment is important for your chicken's health.Take time each day to clean up messes in the house.To replace what you removed, add fresh bedding.It's a good idea to deep- clean your chicken house.Depending on how many chickens you have, this could be every few weeks or months.
Step 11: Be sure to check the perches.
Infections like bumblefoot can be caused by splinters and other jagged pieces of wood.Ensure that your perches don't hurt your chicken's feet by checking them frequently.Make sure they feel smooth by running your hands along them.If necessary, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots.When you do your daily chores, make sure to check the perches.
Step 12: Chickens should be fed.
Chickens can get infections if they are in good health.They will get essential nutrients from feeding them layer pellets daily.Adding corn or wheat to the pellets will add variety.You can give your chickens fresh fruits and veggies on a daily basis.Chickens don't like citrus fruits, so stay away from them.
Step 13: Take care of your chicken's feet.
It is a good idea to look at your chicken's feet every couple of days.If you notice redness or swelling, you can treat it with bumblefoot.You will be able to catch any problems before they become serious.