Bumblefoot (Pododermatitis)

Bumblefoot (pododermatitis) is a bacterial infection and inflammatory condition affecting the footpad of chickens. It occurs when bacteria, usually Staphylococcus aureus, enter through small cuts, abrasions, or pressure sores on the foot. This leads to swelling, redness, and the formation of a characteristic hard, pus-filled core (scab or abscess).

If left untreated, bumblefoot can progress to deeper infections, affecting tendons and bones, potentially leading to lameness or systemic illness.

Affected Birds

  • Chickens

  • Turkeys

  • Geese

  • Ducks

  • Game birds

  • Birds of prey

  • Cockatiels

  • Budgerigars

  • Pigeon & doves

  • Canaries and finches

Clinical Signs

Footpad score

  • Bumblefoot 0

    Grade 0

  • Bumblefoot 1

    Grade 1

  • Bumblefoot 2

    Grade 2

  • Grade 3

  • Grade 0

    • Healthy uniform skin.

  • Grade 1

    • Warmth, discolouration or darkening of the foot pad skin.
    • superficial irritation only also known as pad burn.

  • Grade 2

    • Minor swelling, heat or redness of the footpad.
    • Mild discomfort when pressure is applied
    • Formation of a scab or callus (may appear dark, crusty, or shiny)
    • Mild limp or reduced mobility.
    • Reluctance to perch or subtle lameness

  • Grade 3

    • Noticeable swelling of the footpad or other parts of the lower limb.
    • Formation of a scab or callus (may appear dark, crusty, or shiny)
    • Limping or reduced mobility.
    • Reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg.
    • Possible misshapen or thickened footpad tissue.

Transmission and Causes

  • 1. Trauma or Pressure Injuries

    • Repeated pressure on the same area of the foot (e.g., from perching or standing for long periods)
    • Inappropriate perches (too smooth, narrow, or hard)
    • Jumping from heights onto hard surfaces, which increases pressure on the feet.
    • Obesity, which increases pressure on the feet.

  • 2. Poor Hygiene & Unsanitary Conditions

    • Wet, dirty, or soiled bedding/perches increases the risk of skin breakdown and bacterial invasion.
    • Standing in faeces, mud or damp litter.

  • 3. Opportunistic Infection

    • Bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, or Proteus spp. enter through tiny cuts, abrasions, or pressure sores in the foot.
    • Infection leads to swelling, abscesses, and in severe cases, bone or tendon involvement.

  • 4. Inactivity or Prolonged Resting

    • Birds that are sick or recovering may develop bumblefoot simply from not moving enough, causing pressure points to develop

  • 5. Nutritional Deficiencies

    • Poor vitamin A or biotin levels can lead to weakened skin and immune response, making birds more prone to developing foot lesions.

Diagnosis

  • Bumblefoot chicken

    1. Visual Examination

    Inspecting the foot for swelling, redness, scabs, ulcers, or signs of infection.

    2. Palpation (Touch/Feel)

    Feeling for heat, firmness, or fluid build-up to assess severity and pain response.

    3. Bird’s History

    Reviewing husbandry, perching, diet, activity, and any previous injuries or infections.

    4. Imaging (if needed)

    X-rays may be used to check if the infection has spread to deeper tissues or bone.

    5. Bacterial Culture (optional)

    Collecting a sample from the wound to identify the bacteria and guide antibiotic choice.

Important:

Birds use a counter-current heat exchange system in their legs to minimise heat loss in cold conditions. To conserve body heat, they reduce blood flow to their extremities — but this can slow healing by limiting oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the area.

Pro tip: Keeping your bird warm during recovery helps maintain circulation, supports tissue repair, and can speed up healing.

Treatments

Four stage treatment approach.

  • Stage 1: Grade 1 - 3

    Soaking and keeping feet clean.

    • To manage bumblefoot, begin by soaking the affected foot in a warm 10% Epsom salt solution (10 g per 100 mL water) for 10–15 minutes to soften scabs, reduce swelling, and relieve discomfort. After soaking, dry the foot thoroughly and keep the bird on clean, dry bedding to prevent reinfection. Apply a soothing ointment like Bepanthen or a drawing poultice, then wrap the foot loosely to keep it protected and clean, changing the bandage regularly—especially if it gets damp or dirty. Inspect the foot daily for any signs of improvement or worsening, and continue cleaning and rewrapping as needed. To ease pain and inflammation in the first few days, you can give aspirin, but always check the correct dosage with a vet first.

  • Stage 2: Grade 3 and grade 2 (if showing signs of active infection)

    Antibiotics and Pain Relief

    • At this stage, it's important to begin antibiotic treatment to target any infection present in the wound. A veterinarian may choose to perform a fine needle aspirate to collect a sample for culture and sensitivity testing, allowing them to identify the specific bacteria involved and choose the most effective treatment. Alternatively, they may start with a broad-spectrum antibiotic known to penetrate tissue well, especially if immediate treatment is needed.
    • Continue following the previously outlined steps, ensuring the foot is cleaned thoroughly and regularly. Keeping the chicken indoors and warm during recovery is highly beneficial, as warmth supports circulation and healing. This process may need to be repeated over several days, with multiple rounds of cleaning and care as required. Monitor progress closely, and if signs of infection persist, continue treatment until there are clear signs of improvement.

  • Stage 3: Grade 3 and grade 2 (When stage 2 doesn't have enough effect)

    Local Perfusion

    • Local perfusion is a more advanced treatment typically carried out by a veterinarian. It involves injecting antibiotics directly into the affected area, often in combination with a temporary tourniquet to restrict blood flow and localise the medication. Once the tourniquet is released, concentrated blood flow returns to the foot, helping to deliver immune cells and medication more effectively to the infected tissue. This targeted approach can significantly enhance healing and may be repeated as needed to manage persistent or deep infections.

  • Stage 4: Grade 3

    Surgery

    • Surgery is generally considered a last resort for treating severe or advanced cases of bumblefoot. While it can be effective in removing deep abscesses or chronic infections, it also comes with significant risks, including bleeding, pain, delayed healing, and the potential for introducing new infections. In some cases, surgery can even make the condition worse if not followed by meticulous aftercare.
    • For these reasons, it’s usually far safer and more effective to focus on non-invasive treatment steps first—like soaking, wound care, antibiotics, and keeping the bird warm and clean. These conservative methods often lead to successful healing when applied consistently and with patience. Rushing into surgery without giving these steps time to work can do more harm than good. Always consult with an avian vet to determine the best approach for your bird’s specific case.

Prevention

  • 1. Provide Proper Perches

    • Use natural branches or soft, varied-diameter perches to reduce pressure on the feet. Avoid hard, uniform surfaces like dowel rods or concrete perches.

  • 2. Keep Surfaces Clean and Dry

    • Regularly clean and disinfect perches, roosts, and cage or coop floors to prevent bacterial build-up.

  • 3. Maintain Good Nutrition

    • Feed a balanced diet with adequate vitamins (especially A and E) and minerals to support skin and immune health.

  • 4. Monitor Weight

    • Prevent obesity, which increases pressure on the feet and risk of pressure sores.

  • 5. Provide Soft Flooring

    • For ground-dwelling birds, use soft bedding like straw, shavings, or rubber mats instead of hard or wire surfaces.

  • 6. Regular Foot Checks

    • Inspect feet regularly for early signs of swelling, redness, or scabs—early treatment can prevent serious infection.

  • 7. Reduce Stress and Injury Risks

    • Avoid overcrowding, sharp surfaces, or rough landings that can cause cuts or trauma to the feet.

  • 8. Encourage Activity

    • Promote movement and natural behaviours to improve circulation and reduce prolonged pressure on the same areas of the feet.

Wound Managment