Buff Orpington

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

is it common for buffs to have feathers on their feet or is this a defect from poor breeding? (I don’t know what I’m trying to say) just that is it normal?

Some of her scales are coming off too. Like dead skin. Is that normal in a 7-8 week old

 

[Summerbirds]

I am not sure if it is normal,but i have a silver gray dorking mix,that has the same amount of feathers on her leg.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

No,she probably is mixed.

She has scaley leg mites.Thats why scales are falling off

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

Really? Hmm ok I will address that this evening. Probably why she picks between her toes at her skin.

 

[moniquem]

She has scaley leg mites.Thats why scales are falling off

This is one of the reasons why I love this forum. A simple picture and whalaa, an experienced chicken keeper has picked up on something that I never would have even noticed. Thanks for your input!

 

[TheTwoRoos]

For treatment soak in Espoo salt and put Vaseline on legs,for about a week is usually how long I do treatment.

 

[aart]

She could be a mix or it's just a genetic mutation.
Orps do not have leg/feet feathers.
The raised scales do indicate leg mites.
Pack those raised scales with petroleum jelly(vaseline or bag balm) once a week for a few weeks should take care of it. Scale may not lay flat for weeks tho.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

@aart
Thank you. I will do that this afternoon. Should a spray down their pin tonight with permethrin when they go in their coop?

 

[aart]

@aart
Thank you. I will do that this afternoon. Should a spray down their pin tonight with permethrin when they go in their coop?

I wouldn't.
Might change the bedding and dust the nests with permethrin tho, that's likely where leg mites spread. I only treat what I can see. Look at all your birds for raised leg scales.

How many birds do you have, where did you get them, and how old are they?


Might want to check the whole flock over real well for mites and/or lice.

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).