Lumps in birds feet

[Bowguy]

Many years of taxidermy as well as many birds I've either shot or helped someone take I've seen a pretty fair amount w large lumps often on the bottom of the foot. Anybody have any idea how this happens.

[DAk28]

I believe it's called bumble foot it usually causes large lumps or club feet. It's from a parasite that gets in to there feet.  i have killed a bird with a hot dog for a toe before, and saw another that had a club foot. I think they get it from walking in some type of animal poop maybe cow.

[eggshell]

I killed one with club feet once and I asked our main research biologist about it and he said that was often a sign that some domestic genes had got into the wild gene pool. Thing s like this is why states outlawed release of pen raised birds. There is too much possiblity for tranfering disease and genetic weknesses into the flock.

[Bowguy]

Interesting answers guys. No one I've asked has ever had an idea

[g8rvet]

It is bumblefoot.  I don't remember much about my poultry lectures, but do remember that. Usually a black scab in the center of the knot, unless it is just healed scar tissue.  It is caused by a bacteria (several species), not a parasite. 

[Snoodsniper]

Guess I learned something new today. Never seen it.

[eggshell]

gr8vet, thanks for the expert information.  I have seen the club feet in tame birds and a few with the club feet in wild birds, is it possible the biologist was right and the club feet are genetic? The one I killed had the whole foot involved and I don't remeber if there was any black scab. I was just wondering, I am not questioning your knowledge, I accept that as correct. I image a lot of us learned something thanks

[Bowguy]

I have seen em w black scabs. Thought it was something it stepped on initially but I've seen it fairly often throughout the years n it didn't seem an accident would affect exact spot on foot. Thanks again guys

[g8rvet]

Certainly no poultry expert here.  Not sure what club foot is really-I know what it is in horses and cattle and people, just don't in turkeys-I would trust the biologist over me.  I suppose they could have a genetic predisposition to a foot malformation.  I do know that foot injuries are common on poultry due to pen bottoms and roosting sites as well (being too harsh on feet).