You have probably seen the phrase “bumblefoot treatment” written on the rehab instructions board.  But, what is it, why do we do it, and how do we do it?  By the time you have read these instructions, you should have the answers to all these questions.

As an intermediate or apprentice volunteer with RROKI, you have already had some experience in bird handling and giving medications.  You have observed, and perhaps even assisted, other volunteers administer the bumblefoot treatment.  You are now ready to move onto the next step and apply the treatment yourself.

These instructions should assist you in the treatment of bumblefoot in birds of prey.  Bumblefoot has varying degrees of severity, some of which require surgery.  In this document we will only cover how to do the daily treatment for most cases of bumblefoot.  Any special instructions for individual cases will be made known on a case-by-case basis.

This document is divided into three main sections.

• What is Bumblefoot should give you a clearer concept of what this condition is, its causes, and preventative measures.
• Materials Needed lets you know what equipment is required.
• Treatment Procedure lists the steps involved in administering the treatment.

The title page illustration was created with the photographs of Garry Walter (1997), by John Wicker II (1997).  All other photographs used in this document were taken by John Wicker in February 1998.

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