Understanding Bumblefoot: A Guide for Backyard Chicken Keepers

Bumblefoot is one of the most common foot problems that backyard chicken keepers face. While it may sound harmless, untreated bumblefoot can become painful and even life-threatening for your bird. The good news is that if caught early, it can be treated at home with proper care.

What is Bumblefoot?

Bumblefoot, also called pododermatitis, is a bacterial infection that develops in a chicken's foot pad. It usually starts when a small cut, scrape, or pressure sore allows bacteria—most often Staphylococcus aureus—to enter the tissue.

Once the infection sets in, it creates a hard, dark scab on the bottom of the foot. It can also lead to swelling, abscesses, or pus beneath the skin.

How to Recognize Bumblefoot

Keep an eye out for these signs when checking your chickens' feet:

• Swelling: The foot pad may look puffy or enlarged compared to the other foot.

• Discoloration or a dark spot: A telltale sign is a dark brown or black scab in the center of the pad. You don't need to perform surgical removal of the scab if it doesn't look red or swollen; just keep an eye on it.

• Limping or favoring one foot: Chickens with sore feet may walk abnormally or avoid putting weight on the affected leg.

• Warmth or redness: Inflammation around the pad is a clue that the infection is active.

• Lethargy or reduced appetite: In severe cases, the infection can cause systemic illness if it spreads.

  
  

Tip: Regularly check your flock's feet during routine health checks to catch issues before they worsen.

Treating Bumblefoot

The severity of the infection will determine the type of treatment needed.

Early Stage (Mild Redness or Slight Swelling)

1. Soak the foot in a warm Epsom Salt bath for 10-15 minutes. This helps draw out the infection and soften the tissue.

2. Wrap the chicken up in a towel to keep them from flapping their wings. This makes them calmer and easier to handle. Cover their head with a towel if necessary.

3. Apply an antibacterial ointment like Prid Drawing Salve.

4. Wrap the foot with clean gauze and vet wrap to keep it protected. Change bandages daily.

   
   

Moderate to Severe (Abscess Present)

1. Soak the foot in warm Epsom Salt water to soften the scab.

2. Disposable gloves: The use of disposable gloves is optional but cleaner.

3. Remove the scab carefully using sterile tweezers or a scalpel if the infection is deep. Beneath the scab, there is often a cheesy or pus-like core (similar to cheese curd) that needs to be cleaned out.

4. Flush the wound with antiseptic solution.

5. Pack with Prid Drawing Salve and re-bandage.

6. Repeat: Clean with antiseptic and pack with drawing salve. Change the bandage every couple of days until healed.

   
   

If the infection looks deep or if swelling persists after treatment, seek veterinary guidance. Antibiotics may be needed.

Preventing Bumblefoot

Prevention is always easier than treatment. Here’s how to reduce the risk in your flock:

• Provide soft, dry litter: Hard, wet, or soiled flooring increases the risk of injury and infection. I use sand for litter; it's more hygienic than other options.

• Use smooth, larger surface area roosts: A 2x4 with the 4" side up helps with pressure points on their feet. Chickens are heavier than wild birds, so there will be more pressure on a particular area of their foot when roosting.

• Maintain a clean coop: Bacteria thrive in damp, dirty environments. Sand for litter is ideal.

• Check feet regularly: Catching small scrapes before they turn into infections makes a big difference.

• Keep weight in check: Overweight chickens put more pressure on their feet, making them more prone to bumblefoot.

  
  

How do I make sure my birds are not overweight?

Keep treats and extras to a minimum. The more food items they consume that are not their chicken feed, the more diluted their diet will become. This can lead to missing nutrients and contribute to weight gain, even from healthy items like fruits and vegetables.

You cannot tell if a chicken is overweight just by examining them. The first place fat accumulates is in the liver. For more on this topic, refer to my blog post on Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome.

Final Thoughts

Bumblefoot can be scary for new chicken keepers, but with routine foot checks and quick treatment, most chickens recover fully. Don't ignore the early signs—a small scab or limping today could become a much bigger problem tomorrow. Remember, your flock's health is in your hands, and with a little attention, you can ensure they thrive.