Rooster walking on tip toes

[Nlhockey23]

Yesterday I noticed my rooster was limping so I separated him from the hens. He seems to keep that foot up in the air most of the time and when he does use it to walk he puts all the pressure on his toes. Anyone have an idea what could be going on?

 

[coach723]

Have you checked the bottom of the foot (check both feet) for signs of bumblefoot? Look for any injury, swelling, redness, a black or dark scab. Post pictures of the bottom of the foot, as close as you can, in focus.

 

[Ebony Rose]

A black or brown spot on the bottom, central pad of his foot could indicate bumblefoot; I'm told it's incredibly painful. He could have landed on a rock coming off the perch too, which also hurts like the dickens. Got a pic of the bottom of his feet?

 

[Nlhockey23]

Doesn't seem to be any swelling but there is redness and the one toe has a little bit of black

 

[coach723]

I don't see anything obvious. Roosters often tweak their legs/feet while doing rooster things, and since they are heavier than hens can be more likely to tweak them jumping down from roosts etc. If you have some epsom salts you can mix with warm water and soak his feet for 20 minutes at a time, which will help with pain and swelling. The redness may just be hormonal, roo's can have very red legs sometimes. I would keep an eye on him and see if he improves in the next day or two. Sometimes that is all it is, just a bit of a sprain. If things change then let us know.

 

[micstrachan]

It looks slightly bruised to me, but I don’t see bumblefoor. I agree it may be a minor injury that may heal on its own.

 

[Nlhockey23]

That's kind of what I was thinking. Thanks so much for your input. I imagine I should keep him by himself yet for a few days to try and keep movement minimal. Would you agree?

 

[Criticalicious]

Any possibility of frostbite? Frostbite looks different in feet and toes.

 

[Nlhockey23]

I live in Pennsylvania. A little over a month ago I could see that, but it's been a lot warmer lately so I don't think that would be the cause

 

[Ebony Rose]

ONE baby aspirin for a six pound bird ought to ease some pain and swelling. I don't see bumblefoot. No obvious injury other than the typical bump-bruises that we all get from using our feet. (from the knees down, I'm covered in them )