What is Bumblefoot? A Backyard Chicken Owner’s Guide

Here at the Chicken Coop Company headquarters we love our chickens and want them to be healthy, but even the best cared for flocks will get sick and bumblefoot is one of the most common and scary. We will walk you through everything you need to know about bumblefoot from symptoms to treatment to prevention. Armed with knowledge, you’ll be ready to tackle this condition and keep your chickens thriving.

What is Bumblefoot?

Bumblefoot, also known as pododermatitis, is a bacterial infection of the footpads of chickens. It occurs when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, enter through small cuts, scrapes or abrasions on the chicken’s foot. This might seem like a minor issue but if left untreated bumble foot can cause severe pain, swelling and even life threatening complications.

Causes of Bumblefoot

Bumble foot can have multiple causes most of which are preventable. Here are the most common causes:

• Rough Surfaces: Uneven roosts or sharp-edged flooring can damage your chicken’s footpads. Consider using smooth, high-quality roosting bars to prevent injuries.

• Unclean Living Conditions: Dirty bedding and a dirty coop can harbor bacteria. Regularly clean your coop using our coop cleaning tools and products for best results.

• Obesity in Chickens: Heavier birds are more prone to foot injuries and sores.

• Poor Diet: Nutritional deficiencies can weaken the immune system and leave chickens open to infection. Explore chicken feeders and accessories for maintaining a well-balanced diet.

Why Early Detection Matters

If caught early bumblefoot can be treated quickly and easily. But if left untreated the infection can move into deeper tissues and bones and be permanent. That’s why it’s so important to stay vigilant and check your chicken’s feet regularly.

How to Spot Bumble foot in Chickens

Recognizing the signs of bumble foot early makes all the difference. Chicken owners ask “What does bumble foot look like and how do I know my bird has it?” Here’s a step by step guide.

Visible Symptoms

• Swelling and Redness: Look for puffy, inflamed footpads.

• Black Scab: A classic sign of bumble foot is a black or dark brown scab on the bottom of the foot.

• Lameness: If your chicken is limping or avoiding putting pressure on a foot, take a closer look.

Behavioral Changes

• Less Active: Chickens with bumble foot may become less mobile and spend more time resting.

• Reduced Appetite: Pain and discomfort can cause a noticeable drop in eating and drinking.

• Withdrawal from the Flock: Chickens may isolate themselves due to stress or discomfort.

How to Diagnose Bumble foot

If you see any of the above signs gently pick up the bird and examine the feet. You’re looking for cuts, swelling or visible scabs. For more severe cases a vet can confirm the diagnosis with a physical exam or in some cases X-rays.

How to Treat Bumble foot

If your chicken has bumblefoot don’t panic. With the right approach and sometimes a little patience you can treat it. The treatment will depend on the severity of the infection.

Home Remedies for Mild Cases

For minor infections caught early here’s a safe and easy home treatment:

1. Clean the Foot: Wash the affected foot with warm soapy water to loosen debris.

2. Epsom Salt Soak: Soak the foot in a solution of warm water and Epsom salt for 15 minutes to reduce swelling and kill bacteria.

3. Antibiotic Ointment: Dry the foot gently and apply a poultry safe antibiotic ointment.

4. Bandage the Foot: Wrap the foot tightly to keep it clean and prevent further damage.

Advanced Treatment

For more severe cases you may need to do:

• Remove the Scab: This should only be done if advised by a vet. After soaking the foot the scab can sometimes be gently removed to clean the infected wound beneath.

• Oral Antibiotics: A vet may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

• Surgical Treatment: In the most severe cases surgical removal of the infected tissue may be required. We understand that sometimes you may need to put the chicken down and that's a decision to make as a family. There is no judgement or condemnation for spending or not spending hundreds of dollars on a vet to cure the wound so do what you feel is right for your flock and family. We're here for you if you need a listening ear. 

When to Call a Vet

If the infection doesn’t improve after basic treatment or if the chicken is extremely uncomfortable call a vet straight away to make sure the infection hasn’t spread beyond the foot.

How to Prevent Bumble foot in Your Flock

Prevention is always better than cure. That old saying of an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure applies here. With a few simple steps you can reduce the risk of bumblefoot in your flock.

Keep it Clean

• Clean out the coop regularly and replace bedding with fresh dry material.

• Disinfect roosts and other surfaces often to kill bacteria.

Use Safe Equipment

• Sand down the roosting bars in the coop to avoid injuries or use rope covered roosting bars. 

• Use soft bedding like hemp, straw or wood shavings to cushion their feet.

Foot Health

• Trim claws if necessary to reduce pressure on the footpads.

• Check feet monthly—once a month is a good guideline.

Nutrition

• Feed your flock a well balanced diet with vitamins and minerals to boost their immune system. A good layer feed can help with that and adding in black Dsoldier fly larvae and herbs in a high protein feed can be great for your flock. 

• Always have fresh water available.

Coop Success Stories

Real life stories can be a great encouragement if you’re dealing with bumblefoot for the first time. Here are a couple of success stories from other backyard chicken keepers:

1. Luna’s Recovery: Luna a Buff Orpington from Texas got bumble foot from an unsanded coop perch. Her owner treated her early with Epsom salt soaks and ointment. Two weeks later Luna was back scratching in the yard.

2. Buddy’s Surgical Solution: Buddy a big and loved Australorp needed minor surgery to remove an advanced bumble foot infection. Post surgical antibiotics, a few weeks and a good clean coop and he was back to normal.

FAQs about Bumblefoot

• What is bumblefoot?
  Bumble foot, also called pododermatitis, is a bacterial infection in a chicken’s footpad caused by Staphylococcus aureus. It leads to swelling, redness, and the development of a scab.

• What causes bumble foot?
  Common causes include:

  • Injuries from rough or sharp surfaces.
  • Poor hygiene in the coop.
  • Obesity or excessive weight on the feet.
  • Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of vitamin A.

• What are the symptoms of bumble foot?
  Symptoms include limping, swelling on the foot, redness, and a distinctive black or brown scab on the footpad.

• How can I treat bumble foot?
  Treatment options include soaking the foot in Epsom salt, cleaning and bandaging the wound, and applying poultry-safe antibiotic ointments. Severe cases may need a veterinarian's care.

• How can I prevent bumble foot in chickens?

  • Provide smooth, clean perches to prevent foot injuries.
  • Maintain a clean coop and replace bedding frequently.
  • Inspect your flock’s feet regularly.
  • Feed a balanced diet to boost their immune system.

Share Your Bumblefoot Story

Bumblefoot may seem daunting but early detection, good treatment and prevention can lead to great results. Remember healthy feet are the foundation of a happy flock. Have you had bumble foot in your chickens?  Share your experiences.