What Is Bumblefoot In Chickens? Causes And Symptoms Guide

Bumblefoot is an unsightly staph infection that hurts chickens’ feet. It occurs when bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, enter the foot through cuts or abrasions. Bumblefoot causes painful swelling and can lead to severe complications if not treated.

Examining chicken feet infected with bumblefoot.

There’s much more to know about bumblefoot and how to identify it.

Consider the following.

Symptoms Of Bumblefoot

Farmyard bird getting treatment for bumblefoot.

One of the most noticeable symptoms of bumblefoot is limping. Chickens with bumblefoot will have difficulty putting weight on the affected foot or toe.

The chicken’s gait may appear off balance, as they may favor one leg while trying to move around.

And limping isn’t the only bumblefoot symptom. There are a few others.

Bumblefoot Symptoms

Limping
Puffy or swollen feet
Redness between toes
Black scabs
Open sores on the feet

Another symptom is a puffy and swollen foot or toe. The affected area may appear red, tender, and warm. In some cases, there may be swelling between the toes or on the foot pad.

Another characteristic sign of bumblefoot is the presence of a black scab or discolored bump on the bottom of the foot. This scab results from dead tissue caused by a bacterial infection, commonly Staphylococcus aureus.

If you notice the above bumblefoot symptoms, seek medical guidance from a trusted family vet!

Causes Of Bumblefoot

Various factors can cause bumblefoot in chickens, as bumblefoot prevention is a multipronged approach. Chicken keepers must provide a clean environment, proper nutrition, and regular foot checks to prevent, identify, and treat bumblefoot.

Consider the following causes and prevention tips.

Trauma Or Injury To The Foot

Serious case of bumblefoot in a backyard chicken.

One common cause of bumblefoot infection is foot injury, particularly from jagged, sharp rocks or rough, splintered roosts. When chickens constantly walk on sharp or abrasive surfaces, it can create minor wounds or abrasions on their feet, leaving them susceptible to bacterial infections.

Any open foot wound may lead to bumblefoot. The opening allows bacteria to enter the foot, leading to an infection.

That is why it’s crucial to promptly address foot injuries in chickens to prevent the onset of bumblefoot. Doing so involves thoroughly cleaning the affected foot with warm water and an antiseptic solution like chlorhexidine. Gently remove dead tissue and apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent bacterial growth. Clean bedding and nesting areas can help fight potential bacterial infections before they start.

Bumblefoot can progress through different stages if left untreated, with symptoms ranging from a small black or brown scab to a large, infected foot with a solid kernel. In severe cases, the bumblefoot infection might spread to the bones, leading to a bone infection.

Poor Nutrition And Vitamin Deficiencies

Sterilizing a chicken after spotting a nasty bumblefoot infection.

Poor nutrition and vitamin deficiencies might significantly affect chickens developing bumblefoot. When chickens do not receive proper nutrition, their immune systems can weaken, making them more susceptible to bacterial infections, including bumblefoot.

Vitamin deficiencies, like a lack of vitamins A, E, or D, can impair your chicken’s ability to fight off infections and heal wounds. These vitamins promote healthy skin and tissue growth and support a robust immune system. Inadequate levels of these vitamins can lead to weakened chicken skin and foot pads, making your chickens more prone to foot injuries and subsequent bacterial infections.

Supplementing your coop’s diet with additional calcium sources might help strengthen the foot pads, reducing the risk of injury.

Rough Roosts Or Surfaces

Farmyard roosters relaxing and roosting on an old wooden fence.

Rough roosts or surfaces in chicken coops can significantly contribute to the development of bumblefoot in chickens. When chickens consistently perch on rough or uneven roosts, their feet face constant pressure and friction. This foot friction can lead to minor cuts, open wounds, fractures, and injuries on the foot pads, allowing bacteria to enter and cause infection.

Providing smooth and comfortable roosts is essential to prevent chicken foot injuries and reduce bumblefoot risk. Chicken owners should ensure the roosts are gentle materials for the chicken’s feet, such as smooth wood or PVC pipes. Avoid using materials like barbed wire or rough branches that can cause unnecessary stress on the foot pads.

Regularly inspect the roosts and nesting areas for any splintered or rough surfaces. Try gently running your hand along the roost. Does it feel smooth to the touch? If any rough or splintered roosts exist, promptly replace or repair them to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for the chickens. And their feet!

Unsanitary Conditions And Dirty Bedding

Large group of domestic chickens roosting in the coop.

Poor environmental conditions like dirty bedding and coop litter can also contribute to bumblefoot development. Bacterial growth thrives in moist and unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of infection.

Regular cleanouts of the coop are vital to prevent unsanitary conditions. Dirty bedding can accumulate moisture and organic matter, creating an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Remove soiled bedding, droppings, and food scraps regularly to maintain a clean and dry coop.

In addition to dirty bedding, other hygienic factors can contribute to elevated bacterial risk. Overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and poor waste management can all contribute to bacterial growth and spreading infections.

Diagnosis Of Bumblefoot

Cleaning a bumblefoot infection on a backyard chicken.

The first noticeable sign of bumblefoot is usually limping or a small black or brown scab on the chicken’s foot pad. A buildup of dead tissue causes this scab and can feel painful for the chicken. You might also notice redness, swelling, open wounds, or puffiness.

A trusted veterinarian should always help you diagnose bumblefoot. Consult a veterinarian who can recommend the appropriate treatment plan. Sometimes, the vet may need to perform a culture or a biopsy to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection.

Types Of Scabs And Lesions On The Feet Of Chickens With Bumblefoot

Chickens with bumblefoot can develop various types of foot scabs and lesions. One common type of scab is a black scab. These scabs can feel hardened and crusty and often have a dark coloration.

Another type of lesion commonly observed is a discolored bump or nodule on the foot pad. This bump can appear red, swollen, or even purplish. In some cases, redness may also be present between the toes, indicating inflammation extending beyond the foot pad.

These scabs and lesions can cause pain and discomfort, leading the chicken to exhibit signs such as limping, reluctance to walk, or favoring one leg over the other. In severe cases, the infection can also extend to the leg, causing inflammation and swelling.

Tests Performed By A Poultry Vet Or Avian Veterinarian

The diagnosis of bumblefoot might involve a combination of physical examination, imaging scans, bacterial cultures, and blood tests. During the physical exam, expect the vet to carefully inspect the chicken’s feet, looking for signs of infection, such as scabs, lesions, inflammation, and swelling.

Imaging scans, like X-rays or ultrasounds, may be performed in severe cases to assess the extent of the infection and determine if there is any involvement of the underlying bone. These tests can help guide the treatment plan and determine if surgery is necessary to remove the infection.

Blood tests may also help to evaluate the chicken’s overall health and check for any underlying conditions that may have contributed to the development of bumblefoot.

Treatment Of Bumblefoot

Chicken soaking its foot in an Epsom salt bath to help treat bumblefoot.

The initial step in treating bumblefoot involves cleaning the affected foot pad with warm water to remove dirt or debris. Then, gently remove dead skin and scabs. Also, consider applying an antibiotic ointment to prevent bacterial growth. It is critical to address the underlying bacterial infection, often caused by Staphylococcus aureus, by administering an appropriate antibiotic prescribed by a poultry veterinarian.

Providing the chicken with a clean and comfortable environment prevents reinfection and promotes healing.

A clean environment includes:

Maintaining clean bedding.
Using fresh nesting box shavings.
Clean water and food stations.
Cleaning droppings from their chicken run.
Regularly cleaning the coop litter.

Ensuring proper nutrition, focusing on providing balanced and vitamin-rich food, can aid in the chicken’s overall health and help prevent bumblefoot. Surgical intervention may sometimes be necessary, mainly if the infection has spread to the bone.

Stages And Severity Of Infection

In the early stages, bumblefoot may present as mild inflammation or swelling of the affected foot. The chicken may exhibit signs of discomfort or a limping gait. Addressing bumblefoot at this stage is necessary to prevent the infection from progressing.

If not treated at this point, the infection can worsen, forming a dark, necrotic spot on their feet. This brown scab indicates that the tissue is dying and requires immediate attention. If left untreated, the bumblefoot infection might spread, causing discoloration of the toes or even the entire foot.

Severe cases of bumblefoot can result in a bone infection, leading to potentially life-threatening complications. It is urgent to seek veterinary care for aggressive treatments such as antibiotic ointment and surgical removal of the affected tissue.

Regularly inspecting chicken feet for any signs of injury or infection can help catch bumblefoot in its early stages and prevent its severity.

Conclusion

Bumblefoot is scary if it ever wraps its tendrils around your favorite backyard birds. Early bumblefoot detection and treatment can help your chicken’s odds of a full recovery. So, consulting a poultry veterinarian is highly recommended if your chicken shows signs of bumblefoot!

What about you?

Have you ever seen a bumble-foot-infected chicken in real life?
What’s the worst case of bumblefoot you’ve ever seen?
Do you find that washing your chicken’s feet helps deter bumblefoot?
Have you ever tried using pine shavings for your chicken coop to help keep things clean? What are your thoughts?
Do you know any good homebrew bumblefoot remedies we have yet to consider?

We work hard raising chickens and realize that bumblefoot is enough to cause panic!

But we hope our bumblefoot guide helps.

Remember to seek the care of a trusted vet. They are your best bet. 🙂

Thanks again for reading.

Have a great day!

Continue Reading:

What Is Bumblefoot In Chickens? Causes And Symptoms Guide

Symptoms Of Bumblefoot