Chicken foot problem??

[mandyballantyne]

Hi,

I new I would be asking questions soon!

I have noticed today one of the girls is lifting her left foot and curling it, she is not staighting it to walk either. I think I heard something about this before but can't find the thread.

She is eating/drinking/perching fine and is bossing everyone around. She looks bright and happy.

As I have only had them a few days I am not sure if it has just occured.

What can I do, should I call the vet??

Thanks, Mandy

[shirlthegirl43]

Is she walking okay or is she 'hopping' or limping?

[mandyballantyne]

Hi Shirl,

She is walking fine, no limp just with her toes curled under?

I am sure I have read about this in a book but I can not find the right page!

Thanks, Mandy

[Birdie Wife]

Could it be bumblefoot? I've read about it but not experienced it myself... it's where the chicken damages its foot and infection gets into the pad, causing pus to build up under the surface. The swelling should be quite obvious. Alternatively, if you've only just got them, it could be a defect she's had from hatching, which happens occasionally and should be nothing to worry about, unless she's not getting about as she should. If she's happy enough in herself and not getting picked on because of it, I'd leave her to get on with the business of being chickeny!

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks BW,

I can't see any obvious swelling but they are not quite at the pick them up stage yet.... but I will take her out tonight when the go to roost.

Bumblefoot is that caused by damp/wet conditions? They are and were on very dry ground.

I did notice on the first day one of them with its leg lifted but nothing more.

She is boss and seems happy so I will keep a close eye on her.

Thanks, Mandy

[Birdie Wife]

Not wet ground so much, it's when they jump off something and cut their foot - could even be a thorn or something like that - and infection sets into the foot because they don't care where they're stepping. Good luck with the examination, I hope she's fine. Be calm and confident with her. If she flaps, hold her upside down by the legs for a few seconds, the blood goes to her head and she'll get woozy. She should be very quiet after that

[mandyballantyne]

Thanks for the upside down tip!

I handled them going into the coop and they were fine but as I have kept then in the run until now I have not been able to get in to pick them up.

Due to let them out for some freedom tomorrow, so I will probably be back on saying how can I get them back in!

M

[bargainhunter]

Hi my girls have suffered with this before. A quick trip to the vet confirmed bumble foot and prescribed a few days medication. They were all ok and recovered 100%. It may be worth phoning the vet and asking for something as i know chooks arnt to fond of traveling and may upset them further. Good luck hope she will be ok.