Hi, one of our Cuckoo Marans has been limping for some time, but while it started out as a slight limp that was only noticeable when she ran, it's now very noticeable, even when she's just walking. She's eating fine and seems otherwise happy, so not sure if we should be worried? Could the vet do anything anyway?
Limping Cuckoo Maran
- Thread starter CWB
- Start date
Hi CWB, it's possible that your Maran has bumblefoot. There's an excellent article on the main Poultrykeeper website here https://poultrykeeper.com/external-problems/bumblefoot/
Which gives lots of info that may be helpful.
Which gives lots of info that may be helpful.
It's a good idea to have some of the purple antiseptic spray for poultry in your chicken first aid kit - one make is called Septiclense. It can be used for wounds anywhere on a bird, and is useful for chickens that have been somehow injured, maybe as a result of bullying, or attack by a predator. It not only helps to clean the wound but the purple colour camouflages any bleeding - chickens will immediately attack a bird with any sign of blood on her. You could use it on the foot if trying what the article calls 'conservative treatment' - wash and dry the foot carefully first, then spray and cover the foot and separate the hen, as directed.
Or, if you do find a big lump in her foot which will need excising, she will need to go to e vet I'm afraid. Don't hang about if you're sure what is wrong, as it won't get better on its own if there is noticeable infection there. Experienced keepers sometimes cut it out themselves, but I wouldn't advise this if you've never seen it done successfully.
Or, if you do find a big lump in her foot which will need excising, she will need to go to e vet I'm afraid. Don't hang about if you're sure what is wrong, as it won't get better on its own if there is noticeable infection there. Experienced keepers sometimes cut it out themselves, but I wouldn't advise this if you've never seen it done successfully.
chrismahon
Well-known member
Last time we tried to cut out a bumble foot CWB we had a bleed-out which fortunately we managed to stop before she died. First time it has happened despite being so very careful having done dozens so far. We have a simple system- if it is just a scab on the foot leave it. If the pad is swollen it needs treating and that may need someone with more experience than us. There are a lot of blood vessels in the pad and it is vital you don't cut one.
We bandage using lint and micropore tape.
We bandage using lint and micropore tape.
Thanks for that. So far we've been cleansing the foot in antiseptic then spraying it with Septiclense. She's still limping, though ... not sure how long to wait? The vet is quoting over £60 to treat it, which is quite a lot for a chicken!
