How do I know if my chicken has bumblefoot?

Bumblefoot is a bacterial infection, causing inflammation and swollen feet; this can be caused by a wound on the footpad. The first thing to do is to check that the bedding is clean and dry.  If chickens are standing on wet and soiled bedding this can predispose them to Bumblefoot (the ranging area should also be dry if the flock is confined to a pen). Ensure that there are no sharp objectives in the coop or run, and that the perches are in good condition as these could cause injury to your hen’s feet if they are damaged. Bumblefoot can become quite serious so please seek advice from your vet if in any doubt as antibiotic treatment and bandaging may be required. If the wounds are small and do not appear deep or infected, soaking your chickens feet in warm water with a little antiseptic, then rinse, dry the foot and spray with Nettex Wound Care Spray. Any affected chickens should be kept in a clean and dry environment until the feet have fully healed.