Meat Chickens and Bumblefoot

[Myrshine]

I’m not certain where to post this- it IS a medical concern as well as for the safety of us.

I’m in quite a big predicament, a few of our 4 - 5 week old Cornish crosses have bumblefoot. I’m not certain how they got it, but I quickly separated the birds from the main group. In meat birds, it it worth treating? Is it safe to eat the meat with the staph from bumblefoot?

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Sorry no one answered. Honestly I think it comes down to your own personal choice. I wouldn't judge you either way as I have a four year old hen that's had bumble for at least two years. I've taken her to two different vets, she's had several rounds of internal and external antibiotics, and surgery once, but it keeps coming back so I've decided to let nature take its course. It's hard work getting rid of bumblefoot! Most people processing Cornish X around 6-8 weeks of age so I think if I were you I'd let it go. I wouldn't use the feet for making stock but otherwise, yes, the meat would be safe.

 

[Eggcessive]

Do you have any pictures? What are you using for bedding? Has it been muddy where they have been staying? Bumblefoot starts with a small break in the skin, such as a cut or scratch. You can do some Epsom salts or Betadine soaks to their feet to try and clear it up. Be sure to keep their area clean and dry, and clean up droppings. Some types of bedding will hold moisture. Sand and pine shavings are good to use for bedding.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Do you have any pictures? What are you using for bedding? Has it been muddy where they have been staying? Bumblefoot starts with a small break in the skin, such as a cut or scratch. You can do some Epsom salts or Betadine soaks to their feet to try and clear it up. Be sure to keep their area clean and dry, and clean up droppings. Some types of bedding will hold moisture. Sand and pine shavings are good to use for bedding.

@Eggcessive I always feel like I'm saying something useful but then you follow-up with a significantly more useful post. Very good advice for now and future planning. Thanks for the [much better] second opinion.

 

[Eggcessive]

@Eggcessive I always feel like I'm saying something useful but then you follow-up with a significantly more useful post. Very good advice for now and future planning. Thanks for the [much better] second opinion.

I like to try to prevent bumblefoot in the first place, but it isn’t always possible. I have a lot of small rocks in my soil around my run and coop. I used to do bumblefoot surgery, but now I tend to ignore it, unless their is limping, pain, or a swollen red footpad.

 

[Myrshine]

They live in a tractor with grass. Not sure how they all would’ve gotten a cut, but it happened. They get moved everyday and no mud unless we move it after a rainy night (which we usually don’t). We try to move them everyday because they poop so SOO much, sometimes we can’t and maybe the poop caused it? They seem to be doing better- none have died from it yet. I was planning to rather let it run it’s course. We were going to do Epsom salt soon. Thank you for replying!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

They live in a tractor with grass. Not sure how they all would’ve gotten a cut, but it happened. They get moved everyday and no mud unless we move it after a rainy night (which we usually don’t). We try to move them everyday because they poop so SOO much, sometimes we can’t and maybe the poop caused it? They seem to be doing better- none have died from it yet. I was planning to rather let it run it’s course. We were going to do Epsom salt soon. Thank you for replying!

Like I said, my hen has lived with it for years (which I feel horrible about) but Cornish X are very heavy footed so more prone to bumblefoot in the first place. I know I sound terrible, but I still think I'd just let it go unless you were keeping them as pets? If you're really set on treating them, applying an antibiotic ointment or silver sulfadiazine (my favorite)and wrapping the foot will help keep things soft, and if it's not severe, possible cure it. For that many birds it might be easier than soaking, but that's personal preference.

More info on treating bumblefoot: http://www.poultrydvm.com/condition/bumblefoot

 

[humblehillsfarm]

There's also this which I think many on this blog has had success with, but will take a little time with your birds: https://www.tillysnest.com/2015/12/non-surgical-bumblefoot-treatment-html/