Bumblefoot in Chickens

Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection that can lead to serious health issues if left untreated. Learn how to prevent and treat bumblefoot, as well as other ways to keep your chickens happy and healthy in their coop! 

What is Bumblefoot in Birds?

Bumblefoot is an infection that affects a bird's feet, specifically their toes and foot pads. You may also hear it referred to as pododermatitis, but it’s more commonly known as bumblefoot due to the appearance of 'bumbles’ or lumps on the infected areas. Any type of bird can develop bumblefoot, including backyard chickens.

There are a few reasons why birds can develop bumblefoot. However, it usually starts with some sort of injury or trauma to the foot. Bacteria can then enter the open wound/abrasion and cause an infection. Bumblefoot is often referred to as a staph infection, but this isn't always the case. It can also be caused by other types of bacteria, such as E.coli, but Staphylococcus aureus is the most common culprit!

Knowing how and why bumblefoot develops is extremely important for any bird owner. I would even go as far as saying it’s essential knowledge! Keep reading to learn more about the signs, symptoms, and treatment options for bumblefoot in birds.

How to spot Bumblefoot Chickens

The best way to spot bumblefoot in chickens is to check their feet for any signs or symptoms regularly. I always check my birds' feet when I'm handling them, and make a point to give their feet a closer inspection at least once a week during routine health checks. This habit has helped me catch bumblefoot early on in its development.

The most common thing to look out for is any redness, swelling, or inflammation. Bumblefoot actually has 5 stages of severity, which I will go into more detail in the next section. But at any stage, redness is typically present. 

Another thing to look out for is limping or favoring one foot over the other. They may even refuse to put weight on the affected foot and avoid walking altogether. 

Stages of Bumblefoot in Chickens

There are 5 stages of bumblefoot, with each indicating the severity of the infection and how it has progressed. Not all birds will go through every stage, and some may even skip stages altogether. Here's a breakdown of each stage and what to look out for:

• Stage 1: The skin on one or both feet may appear pink and shiny. There may also be some peeling or flaking. The initial injury/abrasion may also be visible.
• Stage 2: The skin may appear more red and affect a larger area of the foot. The initial injury/abrasion may have developed into a small scab, but the infection is still superficial.
• Stage 3: The infection has penetrated deeper into the foot, and an abscess may have formed. There may also be a small, black callus or hardened area around the abscess. Infection is now well established.
• Stage 4: The abscess has grown larger and may now show signs of pus. The callus will have increased in size, and the surrounding tissue will be more swollen. At this stage the chicken will be visibly limping and in pain. Please note that chickens produce hard pus so it cannot be lanced like an abcess.
• Stage 5: Significant swelling and inflammation are present. The chicken will struggle to walk and there will be significant loss of function in the affected foot. In severe cases, the infection can even spread to other parts of the body.

Causes and symptoms of Bumblefoot

Prevention is always better than treatment, but understanding the causes and symptoms of bumblefoot can also help you catch it early on. Here are some common causes of bumblefoot in chickens:

• Splintered or rough surfaces in the coop, such as wooden perches or wire flooring
• Poor sanitation and hygiene leading to bacterial growth
• Overweight chickens putting excess pressure on their feet
• Standing on something sharp, causing an initial injury that can lead to infection
• Overgrown toenails
• Injury caused by jumping down from high places, such as incorrectly placed roosting bars
• Nutritional deficiencies or imbalances in the chicken's diet
• Pressure sores
• Bullied or aggressive behavior from other chickens, leading to injury and infection

Chickens don't usually show that they're in pain until it becomes severe. It's important to keep an eye out for any potential symptoms of bumblefoot, which can include:

• Limping or favoring one foot over the other
• Change in behavior, for example, reduced activity levels, aggressiveness, loss of appetite, reduced egg production 
• Swelling and redness on the foot, particularly around the pads and toes
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Loss of feathers on the affected foot
• Boil-like abscess, black callus, or scab on the foot
• The footpad is abnormally hot to the touch

How to treat Chicken Bumblefoot

The stage and severity of the chicken bumblefoot will determine the course of treatment. You can try treating mild cases yourself at home. Here are some steps to follow:

1. Carefully clean the wound and foot with warm water.
2. Soak the foot in an Epsom salt bath for 10-15 minutes to reduce inflammation and soften any scabs.
3. Gently remove the scab with sterilized tweezers.
4. Spray the wound with antibacterial spray - I use Vetericyn.
5. Apply a thin layer of antimicrobial ointment to some gauze (cut to size) and secure it onto the wound with vet wrap. Be sure to wrap it securely so no dirt can get in - pay close attention to around the toes.
6. Repeat the process daily until the wound has healed and no scab is present.

Please note: the above isn’t intended to replace veterinary advice. If you're unsure what to do, or if your chicken is showing any other worrying symptoms, it's always best to consult a veterinarian. For severe cases, they may need to surgically remove the infection and prescribe antibiotics for your bumblefoot chickens.

Bumblefoot Chicken Post Care

As with treatment, the post-care for bumblefoot will vary depending on the severity and stage of the infection. If you're treating the infection at home and the condition is mild, your chicken can return to its regular activities once the wound is cleaned and bandaged.

However, if the infection requires surgery and antibiotics, you must keep your bumblefoot chicken isolated at first. Set up a separate coop with plenty of clean bedding, food, and water for your recovering hen. They can return to their flock once the wound has scabbed over. The bandages can be removed after the wound has fully healed, which may take several weeks.

How to prevent Bumblefoot in Chickens

There's a chance your bumblefoot chicken was a one-time occurrence. If multiple chickens in your flock have bumblefoot, there’s probably an issue with their living conditions. Either way, here’s how to further prevent bumblefoot:

Check for Splinters or Sharp Objects

Bumblefoot occurs when bacteria enter through a wound on the foot. To prevent this, regularly check your chicken's living space for any sharp objects or splinters that could cause injury. I also recommend sanding down their perches to avoid any rough edges.

Start Checking Feet Regularly

Make it a habit to check your chicken's feet regularly, especially if they spend a lot of time on hard surfaces like concrete or wire mesh. I check my chickens every week or so, but monthly should be sufficient. 

Offer a Balanced Diet

Just like us, chickens need a balanced diet to stay healthy and strengthen their immune systems. If using a commercial feed, make sure it includes calcium, vitamin A, and biotin. These supplements are essential for skin, tissue, and bone health. 

Cut Toenails Regularly

Long toenails can increase the risk of injury and infection in chickens. Trim them regularly, especially if your flock isn't free-ranging and has limited opportunities to wear them down naturally.

Keep Coops Clean

Bacteria can thrive in dirty and damp living conditions. Regularly remove old bedding and replace it with fresh, dry material. This will also help prevent other infections and diseases from spreading among your flock.

Watch for Overweight Chickens

Obesity can put extra pressure on a chicken's feet. Plenty of space to roam and a healthy diet can help prevent obesity in chickens.

Lower Roosting Bars

If the roosts in your coop are too high, chickens may injure themselves when jumping down. It's recommended to have roosting bars no higher than 1-2 feet off the ground. 

Add Ramps or Platforms

If you have older chickens, larger chickens, or ones with mobility issues, consider adding ramps or platforms to help them navigate to higher perches. Staggering roosts at different heights can also provide easier access for your chickens. I've also found that adding ramps and platforms can create a more interesting and stimulating environment for my chickens!