Severity 3/5bacterial

Bumblefoot

Also known as: Pododermatitis

A staph infection that enters through a cut or pressure sore on the foot pad. A black scab is the calling card. Easy to treat early, ugly if left.

Mix of AI illustrations and anonymized real cases shared by community keepers. Visual severity varies by bird, age, and stage.

Think your bird has this?

Run a free symptom check with the AI Chicken Doctor for a personalized triage.

Open the Chicken Doctor

Symptoms

Black scab on foot pad
Swollen foot or toe
Limping / leg weakness
Hot or red foot
Reluctant to walk

Treatment

Soak the foot in warm Epsom salt for 15 to 20 minutes daily. With clean tools, gently remove the scab and the hard plug underneath. Pack with antibiotic ointment, bandage with vet wrap, and change daily. Severe cases need a vet. Lower the roost height to reduce jump impact.

Prevention

Sand or smooth rough roosts. Keep roost height under 18 inches for heavy breeds. Check feet weekly. Keep the run free of sharp objects.

Typical recovery

10 to 28 days with prompt care.

Sources