Greenfinch with 'diseased' feet

[Box Brownie]

Hi all

I spotted a Greenfinche struggling to perch properly on the feeder. Only binoculars to hand so no pictures.

It looked like its feet were crusted up with a pale looking growth, I could still see the individual toes but it just could not perch normally.

Has anyone else seen this and if so what causes it and is it a health issue for other birds around the feeder I.e. what to, if anything, should I do?

 

[Dave Semmens]

If you search for Bumblefoot then you should get more info.

 

[gramps]

Frequently seen this with Chaffinches, but other birds seemed unaffected ... would suggest extra feeder hygiene though if it's yours.

 

[Phil-D]

Frequently seen this with Chaffinches

Me too Roger, in fact its the only bird I have seen it with. There's a local feeding station with a couple there that's got it, doesn't seem to effect them though