What is Bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is an oddly playful-sounding name given to a serious condition that strikes the feet, joints and bones of captive birds worldwide.
What is Bumblefoot (pododermatitis)?
Bumblefoot (pododermatitis), is a common condition seen in any birds kept in captivity. Prevention, early recognition, and early treatment are key when it comes to managing bumblefoot.
What happens if Bumblefoot is not treated?
Below: Untreated bumblefoot can infect the whole foot and then kill the bird. This is a really bad infection. Bumblefoot rarely heals on it’s own because of the slightly odd make up of a chickens legs and feet.
Can all birds get Bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot is a common infection for domesticated poultry and waterfowl such as guinea fowl, chickens, ducks and quail. Constant walking on hard, rough, or sharp surfaces means poultry develop small wounds on the bottom of their feet. So yes all birds can get Bumblefoot. Below: Ducks and other poultry can get bumblefoot.
Is Bumblefoot in chickens dangerous?
Even if you are unsure after a closer look at your chicken’s feet, it is better to err on the side of caution as untreated bumblefoot can be fatal. Chickens are hard to keep track of, especially if you have a lot of them, so don’t beat yourself up too much if you don’t catch bumblefoot right away.
What causes bumblefoot in waterfowl?
It can occur in any poultry or waterfowl and is usually only noticed on the underside of the foot when your birds go lame. Bumblefoot is usually caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. There are usually two causes of Bumblefoot. The first is a foot wound, allowing the bacteria to gain entry to the local tissue.
What are the different grades of Bumblefoot?
1 The first two grades involve very subtle changes to the skin of their foot – they are rarely noticed by the average person. 2 At the third grade your chicken will develop the well known black area. 3 Grade four is more systemic. 4 If the bumble gets to stage five the hen will be crippled and she will walk with a pronounced limp.