The Swedish scoring system is commonly used to grade the severity of bumblefoot (pododermatitis) based on both the extent of the lesion and how deeply the tissues are affected:

Score 0:

• Normal, healthy footpad with no visible lesions

Score 1:

• Mild, superficial changes affecting the outer skin only (discolouration or small scab), limited in area, no swelling

Score 2:

• More pronounced lesion with clear scab formation and underlying inflammation, affecting a larger area and potentially involving deeper tissues

This system helps assess both the extent (surface area) and depth of tissue involvement, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring progression.

Chickens

Turkey

Geese

Ducks

Quails

Game Birds

Birds of Prey

Parrots

Parakeets

Pigeons and Doves

Finches

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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.

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.

We recommend a four-stage treatment approach for managing bumblefoot. It’s important to remember that this condition heals slowly, so patience and consistency are key.

Avoid picking or digging at the lesion, this can drive infection deeper into the foot and potentially involve critical structures such as the tendon sheath.

Stage 1: Grade 1 - 2

Soaking and keeping feet clean.

• To manage bumblefoot, start by soaking the affected foot in a warm 10% Epsom salt solution (10 g per 100 mL water) for 10–15 minutes. This helps soften scabs, reduce swelling, and improve comfort.
• After soaking, dry the foot thoroughly and keep the bird on clean, dry bedding to minimise contamination. Apply a soothing ointment (such as Bepanthen or a drawing poultice), then lightly bandage the foot to keep it protected and clean. Change the bandage regularly, especially if it becomes damp or soiled.
• Check the foot daily for signs of improvement or deterioration, and continue the clean–treat–rewrap cycle as needed. In the early stages, pain and inflammation can be managed with medication such as aspirin, but always confirm the correct dose with a veterinarian first.

Stage 2: Grade 2

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 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 2

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.

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.

When to involve a vet

• Moderate to severe swelling or a firm, raised scab (core present).
• Lameness or reluctance to bear weight.
• Worsening despite treatment (increasing redness, swelling, pain)
• Discharge, bleeding, or a foul smell
• Black scab lifting or deep ulceration (risk of deeper infection)
• Both feet affected or rapid progression
• Systemic signs (lethargy, reduced appetite)
  

Why this matters

Advanced bumblefoot can involve deeper tissues, including the tendon sheath and even bone, and may require:

• Prescription antibiotics.
• Pain relief and proper bandaging plans.

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, however, this also means less oxygen, nutrients, and immune support reach the area, which can slow healing.

Importantly, lesions should never be picked at or removed at home, as this can worsen the infection and allow it to spread into deeper, more critical structures of the foot.

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