How to Treat Bumblefoot in Chickens

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Know the causes of bumblefoot.

   Chickens (especially free-range) like to fly up at night to roost, scratch, jump, run and dig.
   
   A minor splinter, cut or scrape can be an entry point for any bacteria to penetrate, and is usually caused by direct contact with fecal matter or wet bedding.
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   Step 2: Soak the infected foot.

   Place it in a mixture of 1/2 gallon distilled, warm water, 5 drops Betadine (or Oregano Oil) and 1/4 cup of Epsom salts until the visible scab has softened. ,, It should be just about 1/4" outside the circumference of the scab, (do not attempt to remove the scab.
   
   It is attached to the heart (AKA: core, kernel, plug) of the Staph infection. , Position one thumb at either side of the surgical punch (cut/slit), and gently push down (careful not to break or fracture any toes or tiny bones).
   
   This is a very painful procedure for the chicken, but the chicken will remain calm.
   
   With continued pressure, the entire staph infection with scab and heart will rise out of the foot.
   
   You may notice some blood, but there should never be a stream of blood loss. , Double check that the entire heart has been removed.
   
   Visual inspection of heart should be either
   1. appear dehydrated, solidified or a hardened pus mass. or
   2.
   
   In the event the pus has not hardened, the visual appearance may be white to yellow, string-like decomposing tissue.
   
   Once infected and dead tissue has been removed and only the remaining, soft, pinkish living tissue is present with some fresh bleeding, prepare the foot for final treatment. , Add 4 drops of Vetericyn (or Tea Tree Oil), and screw the top back on. ,,, Wrap the gauze into place using vetwrap (or similar self adhesive bandage). , Make sure that it does not interfere with the natural circulation of the foot. , Provide fresh, clean electrolyte water and fresh food. , Check for natural healing and if it looks good, apply liquid bandaid (or a drop of honey).
   
   If using honey, then apply a small piece of gauze atop, and allow the wound to close and scab for another 3-days.
   
   Upon final inspection, if the wound is closed, return the healing chicken to the range.
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   Step 3: Dip the scalpel into a mild solution of 2 drops Betadine (or Oregano oil) and 1/4 cup of distilled water.

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   Step 4: Gently

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   Step 5: make a superficial cut in the foot pad.

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   Step 6: Place fingers around the foot.

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   Step 7: Remove the entire Staph (including heart) using a dry

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   Step 8: sterile paper towel.

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   Step 9: Unscrew the top of the new

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    Step 10: full enema bottle.

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    Step 11: Flush the inside of the wound with the fortified enema solution.

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    Step 12: Apply triple antibiotic gel (or Egg-Yolk Oil) to the wound surface

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    Step 13: and around the outside of surface.

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    Step 14: Apply non-stick gauze to the open wound.

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    Step 15: Double check to make sure that the wrap is not too tight.

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    Step 16: Once finished

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    Step 17: place the chicken into a carry crate or kennel

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    Step 18: lined with deep

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    Step 19: dry bedding.

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    Step 20: After 5-days unwrap the foot.

Detailed Guide

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