What is bumble Foot in Chickens?

Bumblefoot, or plantar pododermatitis, is caused by the introduction of a bacteria called staphylococcus, Bumble foot is usually found at the base of the foot, but the bacteria can live on the toes, hocks and pads of a chicken’s foot. It is more common in heavier and larger chickens. The bacteria enters the chicken through a cut, scrape or scratch, it can cause a very nasty infection and is commonly seen as a swollen puss filled bulb on the chicken’s foot or a black lump.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Bumble Foot In Chickens?

  • Lameness, you will most likely notice that your chicken is struggling to walk and is reluctant to place their foot down opting to stand on one leg a lot more than normal.
  • Limping
  • Swelling, the foot, leg and hock can become swollen as bumble foot can cause inflammation in and around the infected area.
  • Resting a lot more than normal, they will be reluctant to walk about and you may notice them sitting for longer periods.
  • Not roosting, if you have a roosting hen you may notice they are not wanting to perch and roost as normal.

How to Treat Bumble Foot in Chickens?

Bumble foot in its early stages is easily treatable at home, the first thing to do is to clean the infected area with a warm foot bath, you can use Epsom salts or a gentle solution of TCP or Iodine. Once the area has been cleaned you can treat it with our Benessence Aloe Vera gel which is a natural antiseptic and will stimulate accelerated wound healing. Aloe Vera has potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties and is proven to be effective against staphylococcus which is the main bacteria found to cause Bumble Foot. Using anti-inflammatories is also advisable, you can give them our Forager anti-inflammatory herb boost which has natural sources of Turmeric and Oregano which are proven to help reduce inflammation.

Once the wound is treated and cleaned you should apply a vet wrap to stop the wound from getting dirty or re-opening, repeat this process every other day. If you do not see an improvement within a couple of weeks and the scab on the foot becomes hard and black you should consult your local vet as your hen may need a course of antibiotics and surgery to remove the infection and callus.

If left untreated Bumble foot can spread up the chicken’s leg and cause permanent lameness and even death.