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Hellochuck

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Hello
I’ve accepted five hens from farmer friends of friends. We collected them in the dark and we won’t be returning them as we should have been more savvy. If need be we will humanely dispose them. In hindsight sight we were daft to do this but we did.
One hen has these larger than pea but smaller than marble size black lumps on her feet . She is perky otherwise . I hope ( I’m useless at tech stuff) I’ve attached pictures. I’ve consulted dr Google and it looks like bumble foot . I am
Hoping for experienced people to assist ? Basically is it bumble foot ? If obviously so , can I remedy it at home ? Or should we kindly put hef to sleep ? Previously we have have kept hens for years but due to luck and space rather than skill haven’t had health issues .
 

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Welcome to the forum Hellochuck. First thought glancing at the photos was a tick, but it may be nothing more than a build up of mud/ poo? Her feet look to be in generally poor condition with perhaps something lodged underneath between the pad and one toe. We have that painful condition (they will limp) often in muddy conditions and it can be carefully picked out, without damaging the skin, otherwise you will be bandaging. Best try a soak with water first on those lumps. It may be there is something got under the scales? It isn't 'bumble foot', which is a swelling of the pad that bursts through the underside leaving a scab visible. We are treating a particularly bad case now caused by jumping down from a too high perch onto a hard surface.

Don't scatter feed pellets because they go mouldy if left overnight (dew) and if eaten next day can make them ill. Grain is OK scattered as a treat, but too much and they won't eat the proper stuff and will stop laying. Have you a photo of the suspect cockerel? Be aware that some hens have much larger combs and wattles than others, even of the same breed.

Sure they will be fine in time, even if some simple treatment is necessary. Best keep them off areas with sharp stones in because the soft skin on the underside of the feet is easily damaged.

Keep us posted and we will try to talk you through any home treatment that may be necessary.
 
chrismahon said:
Welcome to the forum Hellochuck. First thought glancing at the photos was a tick, but it may be nothing more than a build up of mud/ poo? Her feet look to be in generally poor condition with perhaps something lodged underneath between the pad and one toe. We have that painful condition (they will limp) often in muddy conditions and it can be carefully picked out, without damaging the skin, otherwise you will be bandaging. Best try a soak with water first on those lumps. It may be there is something got under the scales? It isn't 'bumble foot', which is a swelling of the pad that bursts through the underside leaving a scab visible. We are treating a particularly bad case now caused by jumping down from a too high perch onto a hard surface.

Don't scatter feed pellets because they go mouldy if left overnight (dew) and if eaten next day can make them ill. Grain is OK scattered as a treat, but too much and they won't eat the proper stuff and will stop laying. Have you a photo of the suspect cockerel? Be aware that some hens have much larger combs and wattles than others, even of the same breed.

Sure they will be fine in time, even if some simple treatment is necessary. Best keep them off areas with sharp stones in because the soft skin on the underside of the feet is easily damaged.

Keep us posted and we will try to talk you through any home treatment that may be necessary.
Click to expand...
Thankyou
I will catch her this evening when she is in the coop , I have noticed a similar thing on both feet on another hen but smaller , same place . All their legs have rough lifted scales in places so I’m going to catch them all one by one and gently wash and spray with mite spray too. I’ll get picture of who I think might be a cockerel tomorrow.
I’ll also remove the corn that they currently have access to all day and give as treat only . I will just leave the layers pellets out all day. Thanks again , much appreciated.
 
Welcome to the forum @Hellochuck.

I would follow Chrismahon's advice, on treatment for the hens he is very experienced.

Get yourself a container for their feed which you can take in at night, helps deter predators to. Corn is just a treat or a useful bribe to get them back indoors if they have been out. They fall for it every time.

Keep us updated on the treatment, they will have a lovely life with you
 
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