Bumblefoot Victory! A Non-Invasive Treatment for Minor Cases in Chickens

[@JennJennPA]

That poultry spray is the BEST stuff for a first aid kit. Also works well for bunnies!

[@Amanda20019]

We just had a girl with bumble foot BAD! i feel terrible that i didn't notice, she was definitely not showing any signs. Unfortunately one foot needed the surgery and the other i used the drawing salve. Only on day 1 here, hopefully it all heals well.

[@realsimplemama]

I hope so too! Let me know how she’s doing. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@jstu8]

Great video! This method worked for me as well on my rooster. As a newer chicken keeper, I was dreading the surgery idea also. Even the by -hand removal of the bigger, softened plugs was a lot for me 😣 Probably for both of us, to be fair. I just wanted to add for anyone reading, he had different stages of bumble at once due to other health reasons. This method here worked & when I couldn’t always keep up on his bandage treatments, I still continued to feed him immune boosting additives to his food, like rooster vitamins, acv, turmeric, & garlic. To my surprise, his bumbles did clear up their own, even the ones that I hadn’t tried to peel (was waiting for them to soften more as to not need much forcing, to not add damage to the healing skin below). Not something you hear much about online. I learned adding immune boosters as well can be very impressive in helping a chicken heal very quickly. It was pretty incredible. I only found in one place a nurse briefly mention that in ppl, sometimes the black scabs are not removed & are left to heal on their own. Good to know just how much discretion can be used.

[@realsimplemama]

This is super helpful! Thanks so much for taking the time to share all of this!

[@jamiemillians9455]

So I have never dealt with this and I have what appears to be a pretty severe case. We had an hour soak today with Epson salt and iodine. Noway, is this going to pull off. I'm letting her rest until morning and will do another soak. Should I be wrapping it with neosporen between soaks? I have drawing salve shipping now.

[@chuckb1448]

​@jamiemillians9455 Howdy Jamie, I just found of of my ladies with a severe case, how did your remedy go and did you have any luck? Thanks

[@lah189]

Dang! Wish I had seen this sooner. We dug and dug that scab out last night. Poor girl wasn’t happy and it broke my heart. But it was huge!! It’s wrapped and has Neosporin on it now. I hope and pray I didn’t do more damage than good.

[@realsimplemama]

Don’t worry! Keep it clean the best you can. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@NinjaGamerGirl2023]

Very informative video. I have a question, how are the hens that you treated in this video doing now?

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! We are doing great! The young girls have started laying eggs which is so nice. We lost the one hen Val who was a weakling unfortunately but that’s been the only incident. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@NinjaGamerGirl2023]

@@realsimplemama I'm so glad to hear that! I love chickens

[@chrismeyers1607]

They definitely get the bumble on their toe pads - not just the middle of the foot.

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

I am so glad this video came up tonight because after two years of having chickens, I noticed one of my English Buff boys limping two days ago. I have kept an eye on him and it didn't seem to improve so tonight, I got a hold of him and checked his feet. He had a round brownish black scab on his left foot. I soaked him in warm Epson salt water for about 15-20 minutes. It didn't really soften up the scab unfortunately. I then wrapped my sweet boy (aka Tater Tot...😅) in a towel and with gloves on, I slowly peeled back that scabby thing. I tried to squeeze to see if anything would come out and nothing did. I didn't want to hurt him so after a little bit of dabbing some blood drips after carefully pulling off the scab, I sprayed really well with Vetericyn, covered with a gauze pad, and then used vet wrap to keep it all clean. I'm going to check on him tomorrow night and will probably use the Neosporin (without pain relief), that I ordered from Walmart that will arrive tomorrow. I have the Prid stuff too so I may alternate like you did. Thank you so much for your video. It was super helpful to an only 2 year chicken mommy, and first case of bumblefoot. 💟

[@realsimplemama]

Wow good for you! You did a great job! No blood means that it’s an older wound and the body has sealed it off, if that makes sense. Let me know how Tater Tot is doing and if you need any more help - [e-mail]

[@winniecash1654]

Tater tot! So cute 😂

[@akmoore8able]

Im so glad I found this thank you. There’s so much information out there I wasn’t sure what to do. I wish I had seen this before I removed the scabs on one of my girls, though they did come off easy. But I feel so bad. But the other three I will do this treatment and hopefully it works as well for me as it did for you! I think they all walked on and got pricked by the sneaky sticker bushes that have popped up so rapidly this month.

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! I’m happy to help. Emailed you back. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@iwontbebeat7111]

I have a large sliding insert floor that can alternatively switch for cleaning. When coop gets dirty simply slide out from the coop, I'd pressure water clean it then dry . Put disinfectant spray and soak them for a day. Then sun dry it . In mean time , I have one clean floor ready to slide it in for exchange.

[@realsimplemama]

That’s awesome! Great idea! ✌🏼❤️🐓

[@cs6305]

Chickens CAN get bumblefoot on their toes. I have seen it and treated it, in that area on mine. It can also be caused by slivers from wood or logs and by scratching the ground. I have used prid. Great product.

[@realsimplemama]

Thanks! I have never seen it on their toes.

[@amandachristine9286]

@@realsimplemama I have one now that's on the toe.

[@LithiumFlowerr]

@@amandachristine9286I’ve just rescued 3 chickens that were in awful conditions and two have it on their toes. What did you do to help yours?

[@nascar8rc]

Hi just started watching your videos. I found a solution to water from freezing for $19 instead of paying $50 for a heated chicken water drinker. At Tractor Supply I bought a 1.5 gallon heated dog bowl. Filled it to the top with water and then set the 5 quart chicken water bowl on the top 😉 works great! It was 14 degrees Fahrenheit here during Christmas night. And the water never froze. I have pictures I would post but can’t on KZbin. Just wanted to share this idea so you can share with all....

[@realsimplemama]

Oh thank you! How kind of you to take the time to share. I appreciate you!

[@chrisinedison]

What a great idea! We have one chicken that stays in her own pen part of the day bcuz she gets picked on by the others. My hubby said we need to get a bigger heated water bowl bcuz the one quart needs filled too often. I’m going to try what you said and hopefully we won’t have to buy a larger heated bowl. Thank you

[@cindygreleski5376]

I did the same thing!

[@WisdomofWTF]

Love the pants and shoes. And you are amazing! Thanks for the heads up on the foot soak...

[@realsimplemama]

Thank you for your kindness!

[@_atleast3characters]

Are there any alternative for neosporin or prid? Also can I use any brand of epsom salt?

[@nickhamby7534]

Do you have a Amazon list for your bumble aid kit?

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! I did write an article that’s on RealSimpleMama.com and everything is linked there. Just get to the page and search “Bumblefoot” and it will come up! ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@nickhamby7534]

@@realsimplemama thank you! 🙏

[@farmuntilthemoneyrun]

Hi and THANK YOU!! Just to be sure, when you treated this way there was no kernel yet right? If there is a kernel, that’s the point where more invasive methods are recommended? Thank you again!!

[@realsimplemama]

Hiya! Right. That’s what I recommend. If it’s stringy/thick pus then you’ve got a good chance of fixing it this way but the hard kernel must be completely removed - you can try to just squeeze and pop it out but chances are you’d have to cut in, clean the blood so you can see, and then cut out all the nasty dead tissue.

[@farmuntilthemoneyrun]

I really appreciate you taking the time to help. Thank you and have a wonderful day.

[@SouthernArt77]

Thank you so much for this video! We are dealing with our first case is bumblefoot now. Unfortunately when we found it, it was because of a large bulge between her toes. I feel terrible that I didn’t notice it sooner. She has a more minor case in the other foot. Anyway last night we did the Epsom salt soak for 15 minutes then my husband was able to remove the scabs on each foot. We sprayed them with Vetericyn and then used neosporin and gauze then wrapped with vet wrap and secured with tape. We were going to change her bandages today and see if the swelling has gone down. Do you think this method will work when there is already swelling like that? I’m worried about her!

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! I sent you an email back 😎 but for anyone else who finds this: no need to isolate her unless it’s super muddy or others are picking at bandage; take daily photos and do same regimen daily for 4-5 more days. You should see healthy tissue growing back. If not then you can continue this method or you can look into invasive (surgical) removal where you actually cut into the foot.

[@kathleenmonsegue9700]

I wonder if this will work for coturnix quails.

[@realsimplemama]

I would think so! I know it also works for ducks. ✌🏻❤️🐓🦆

[@hollyt9147]

Do you have to peal the scab or just leave the scab alone and use PRID continuing till scab is gone without picking at it and trying to peel? Been told to cut the scab off of my chicken's bumblefoot which I am not comfortable with. Size of scab is the size of a sewing pin (the flat top pin).

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! I have never picked the scab off. In my opinion the body will shed it when it’s ready. Trying to peel it off encourages bleeding which just takes it longer to heal! ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

I have still never done checks on my girls I have got to start doing that. Thank you so much you’re the best! God bless you girlfriend!

[@realsimplemama]

Happy to help! And just get in the habit of it, even if you only do one or two gals a night, it can really make a difference “just in case.”

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

@@realsimplemama I will, I must 🙈

[@TheBuffaloChickenRanch]

Thank you for the video RSMama! I have a hen that I’ve discovered has this and am currently treating as you’ve described. It’s extremely hot out right now (6/10/22) in Texas and I’m worried that the bandage wrap would not let her cool down. She is still able to dust bath, there is a lot of shade around from bushes and trees and designated water points as usual. Do you think this would be an issue? What is your take? Thank you for your time.

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! I wouldn’t worry about the bandage being too hot on her. She can still stand in water, use a mister, eat frozen watermelon, etc. I’m in Texas too and we’ve hit over 100 for a few weeks. So I get it. But if you have enough “cooling down” strategies going on in your run, she should be ok.

[@marialeach8960]

I have 14 chickens and 24 chicks, and some of the chickens seem to have a ball and a little black scab at the sole of their feet. Ugh, my husband and I are soooo busy as both of us work full time, but I guess we're going to have to deal with this. Wish there was some magic "potion" to give them and get rid of this infection. I was worried, too, if I bandage them up if they'd be too hot as I do also live in TX.

[@realsimplemama]

I’m sorry. It’s never convenient and it never happens at a good time. You can always wait as this isn’t a rare happening, it might go away on its own. Or pick a few who seem to have the most serious case and treat those s a first batch.

[@pattilesley3755]

Thanks MaMa! I’m gonna check my girls & boy feet tonight...💞

[@realsimplemama]

I have a "Medical Check" video that shows you everything I do, too. And it's best to do it when they're sleepy and lazy at night!

[@achilders3935]

I started working on mine Thursday. I soaked it, put that vetsomething spray on it, then put PRID on it then a medicated pad that won't stick to the wound and wrapped it. I let her go in the run for the day, but I bring her in to a dog kennel at night cause I didn't want her jumping up and down to roost. I just did it again a few minutes ago. It still doesn't look much different. I tried to mash it some, but it really didn't look or feel like it was ready, so I'll do it again Sunday. My question is, do you wear gloves? I thought this was a staph infection and I know they CAN be contagious. Thank you.

[@realsimplemama]

I honestly don’t because I need to feel what I’m doing. But if I get the scab off or I have to make an incision then I do. But now I sanitize myself and all our stuff before and after.

[@meljordan220]

One of my chickens has bumble foot. On one foot it's really bad. She was limping and that's how I found it. The other foot seems to be there but it's very mild so I'm treating both feet. I understand I have to find a way to remove the bigger bumble and the nastiness underneath. I have a question. How long should I be using the Epsom salt foot baths before I try to remove the bumble? Again this is not a mild one.

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! I’m so sorry, I know it’s terrible to deal with. Honestly I would do the soak twice a day if possible, for at least ten minutes if possible, and it’ll really start to soften. It can almost be like a boil but their skin is so much tougher. I personally choose to not cut into the flesh at all unless it continues to be really bad and doesn’t start to weep/drain on its own with my treatment. If you have a flesh wound then you have to be super careful about infection (and of course they’re outside in the dirt all day!). I’m here if I can help anymore. ✌🏻❤️🐓 [e-mail]

[@paulam1596]

Thanks 🙏 very informative

[@93Jewell]

Thank you so much for this!!! Did you do all this work at night? So soak and bandage after they’ve gone in for the night?

[@realsimplemama]

You can! I have an amazing head lamp that I wear. The advantage to grabbing them when they’re asleep is they’re calmer (lazier) and so don’t struggle as much. Also easier to catch!

[@Just-Joe15]

How often do you change the bandage?? 🤔 💕 Thank you for the info so far. 👍

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! I always did once a day but that’s your call. I feel like twice a day is not necessary and can sometimes be more traumatic for the bird, but I know a lot of local people who only do once every other day. Really, as long as the bandage stays on and the wound is protected from the dirt, it is up to you!

[@keishamarchand497]

I've noticed 2 chickens of mine who have bumblefoot. I will be treating it very soon after I gather these supplies. Is it still okay to eat the eggs when they have bumblefoot?

[@realsimplemama]

Yep! No worries on the eggs. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@cowgirlval5216]

Good job👍

[@kathleenmonsegue9700]

Also is there a way to prevent bumble foot?

[@realsimplemama]

Honestly no, not that I know of. You can minimize it by giving them soft material in their coop and checking their feet often. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@kathleenmonsegue9700]

@@realsimplemama I’m planning on ordering 50 ft of 1/2” by 1/2” pvc coated hardware fabric to replace the original galvanized half inch hardware fabric in my big quail hutch. And place more natural slate tiles to go on so they can have a break from the new wire flooring. Hopefully their poop will fall through completely and there will be less mess for them to step on. Hopefully that will do the trick, but I’ll also get a power washer to spray off the leftover poop on the wiring. My money has been tight so I have to try getting the stuff little by little.

[@blumerlredpilledgirl8958]

Too late. We removed the hard scabs. First time this has happened from years of keeping chickens.

[@thewildskunkwhisperer688]

I just ordered Prid and it will be her by Thursday. Ive been researching and watching all the many ways including scalpels. Ugg. Thought I wad going to proceed that way and got everything today including blucote. Like the feed store suggested along with epsom to soak. Vet wrap and triple antibiotic. Now Ive decided the less invasive route and so glad I found these videos. I have one question. When I begin the Prid. Do I bandage up with prid on so it stays on and clean and should I keep her inside in a clean pen with shavings so she's out of dirt. until I finally get to remove rhr infection and it heals? So many people giving me different advise today. Havent been able to ask anyone this question for the prid route. The indoor healing pen has been the most recommended but i feel bad keeping her stuck for days on end if she doesn't necessarily have to. I free range my hens all day on 4 acres. Bring them in at night. I have a coop on wheels I slide into my climate controlled she shed at night. I let them out to free range every morning.

[@thewildskunkwhisperer688]

I'm going to email you the pic of my hens foot. 😂 S9 glad you said we could. You ROCK ❤

[@thewildskunkwhisperer688]

Email sent ❤

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! I’ll email you back when I get it (I don’t see it yet). I wouldn’t keep her locked up for that - bandage with the Prid on and let her go. I would clean and change it once every day or two. ✌🏻❤️🐓 [e-mail]

[@choppinbroccoli7037]

How many weeks do you wrap it? Do you change the wrap every day?

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! You can do it twice a day, once a day, or even once every other day. That’s up to how well you wrap it and if you have time. I do it for at least a week, taking progress pictures, and then see how it’s doing. Then I make a decision going forward of what I need to do next, if anything.

[@betzyluna3728]

Do you let then free range or be outside in their run with the bandage on or do you separate them? I'm just afraid it can get infected or the chicken can be picked on because it looks different.

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! I just leave them out with everyone else. If you use that vet wrap that sticks to itself, and wrap it firmly (but not too tight) then I haven’t had issues with it coming off.

[@betzyluna3728]

@@realsimplemama Thank you for doing this video. Not only educational but encouraging for the ones like me, that we are afraid and new chicken keepers

[@nichellegabbard3007]

A couple of my girls feet are now swollen after wearing a bandage. They only had them on for two days. I left the bandages off for now. Have you ever had this issue?

[@realsimplemama]

No I haven’t - my guess would be that maybe it was too tight? Like you said leave it off for a few days and see. ✌🏼❤️🐓

[@jenessa_0974]

Hey! I am dealing with a case of bumble foot in one of our chickens. So far this is my plan: 1. Soak in Epsom salt 2. Dry her feet off 3. Put some sort of antibacterial stuff on it. 4. Wrap it up in some gauze of some sort. But... I don’t have any Vetericyn or Neosporin which is usually recommend. What I do have is some Terramycin which is a Antibiotic Ophthalmic Ointment, could I potentially use that? I am going to stop by tractor supply tomorrow to see if they have any of the two. Is there anything you would add to my process or any comments you would have on my plan? Thank you in advance!

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! I think that the antibacterial spray is good just to keep it clean especially after soaking. And I use non stick gauze and then the sticky vet wrap to hold it in place. So I soak, dry, spray, ointment, food up a little square of non stick gauze, and wrap. Change whenever it looks like bandage is coming off. Scab should get soft and fall off and you’ll have new tissue underneath. Let me know if you need more help! [e-mail]

[@jenessa_0974]

real simple mama Okay one last thing, how long do you think it should take for it to come out? Thanks again for all your help! 🙂

[@realsimplemama]

Hey girlie!!! Ummm that depends. If it’s not bad it’ll be done in 3-5 days I would think. If it feels hard to the touch I’d guess 1-2 weeks. If it’s hard AND red and feels warm then it’s bad and it would probably be two weeks plus I would consider a vet trip (or at least something internal for antibiotics) since at that point it is in the blood probably. Send me a photo if you want! [e-mail]

[@jenessa_0974]

real simple mama Well I just finished I did end up going to Tractor Supply and buying some Veterycin so I used that. I’m assuming I have to do this process again tomorrow? Thanks your the best! ☺️

[@realsimplemama]

Hey! Soooo you could do it again tomorrow but I’d wait until Saturday and see. If it’s not a severe case sometimes you can go with once every two days. Just see what it looks and feels like.

[@gabrielledeconinck7950]

How long did you do the treatment for until you started to see changes??

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! It was about two weeks before I was sure that it was healing up and I wasn’t just imagining it. 😆🤞🏼

[@TwoBirchHomestead]

Did you check the same chicken every night and change the bandages?

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! Honestly I don’t, since the Prid needs to stay and soak in. I check more serious cases every two nights (unless they somehow get the bandage off). Otherwise it’ll be better to let it set. ✌🏻❤️🐓 that’s just my opinion though!

[@achilders3935]

Is that PRID like you see on Amazon? It says pack of one or pack of two. Does that mean you can only use it once or twice or is it a cream you can use a few times per pack? Thanks for your help.

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! The “pack” is the little round tin. A little goes a long way! I’d say each tin can be used at least 20-30 times. It feels like Carmex and you use your finger to pull a little bit out.

[@realsimplemama]

Oh yes you’re right it is on Amazon. Little orange tin.

[@Peachy08]

Walmart sells it.

[@rosario3]

My rooster is limping and when he brings his foot down it looks crooked. He doesn’t have a black spot or scab. It looks pink and a puffy ball. I wish I can send you a picture. I’m worried. He’s been like that for 2 months. Help.

[@realsimplemama]

Honestly it’s probably a mechanical injury like he twisted or sprained it. I have a video here about that but if it happened a while ago, you may just have to make him a splint. Email me and I’ll see if I can help, but it may need a vet’s help too. [e-mail]

[@kathysoltys3104]

What about internal help with infection?

[@realsimplemama]

Hi! That would be something for a vet honestly. I am not qualified to tell you what to do (and I have unashamedly taken a chicken to an avian vet a few times). ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@R1M1r1m1]

Did you soak them every day?

[@realsimplemama]

Honestly that depends on the case. If it’s really early on, or really minor, I do one long soak at first and then wrap it to let it sit with the Prid for a few days. If it’s bigger or seems more serious (eg the flesh around it looks red and angry), I’ll do it daily. There is a benefit to doing a soaking with those salts as it softens the skin, but we also want the Prid to be on there a long time and do its job since that’s what will “draw out” the infection. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@susantaylor8507]

My chickens several have bumble foot these wete given to me and thete butt are bald to

[@realsimplemama]

I’m sorry. I hope you can get them some love and rest - the tail feathers will grow back, check them for vent gleet which is like a yeast infection. You can also check them for mites and lice. ✌🏻❤️🐓

[@edwardgingerwillis7181]

I would get rid of all of those sharp rocks. Try pea gravel.

[@realsimplemama]

I’ve been working on rock removal. It’s a slow process. Don’t want to add gravel, happy with the dirt and so are they!

[@dylanfairbanks1744]

I recently got chicks but now they are 4 weeks old and i was doing a check up and I found out that one of my chicks has bumblefoot as a new chicken owner how would I cure it

[@realsimplemama]

Oh no I’m sorry. It’s not uncommon but you don’t want it to get serious. I have videos about this but basically warm Epsom salt bath soaks, put on a salve, wrap it in gauze. Try to do this twice a day until the scab comes off or you can get the kernel out.

[@dylanfairbanks1744]

@@realsimplemama Thank you for the advice I gave my hen a nice warm Epsom salt bath and put Noesporin on it and raped it in gauze so lets see if it works

[@MS-de7bb]

Time stamp would be helpful

[@realsimplemama]

For what?

[@MissCati1]

Rocks in their cage are a problem because of cuts

[@antiquevideo7217]

1st viewer 😂💥

[@realsimplemama]

Sneaky sneaky! 😆 but hey the early bird gets the worm right?

[@antiquevideo7217]

@@realsimplemama 😛