Can scaly leg mites be confused for Bumblefoot?

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Here's something to ponder:
http://indianapublicmedia.org/eartheats/bugs-winter-protecting-chickens-lice-mites/

For a newbie, are there any obvious, tell tale differences between the two conditions? For the record, I'm dealing with a Pekin Drake and treating with Epsom salt soaks, condition not improvIng.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

This is just from my experience:

Scaly leg mites lift the scales of the feet. Bumblefoot = black scab looking thing on underside of foot and it can swell.

Which condition are you trying to treat?

 

[HollyDuckFarmer]

Been treating as if Bumblefoot, but after reading that link, I started wondering if I was treating the wrong thing. I do see the black scab, but I also think I'm seeing some lifting scales.... So no black scabs with mites?

 

[CluckyCharms]

It's also possible they have both bumblefoot and scale mites - unfortunately it doesn't have to be one or the other. The two can co-exist.

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

It's also possible they have both bumblefoot and scale mites - unfortunately it doesn't have to be one or the other. The two can co-exist.

x2- If you have lifting scales I'd definitely dip each leg in mineral oil or veg oil every day for 2 weeks to smother the mites. Also it is helpful to smear oil on the comb and wattles as scaly leg mites can attack the face too.

For bumblefoot I personally don't treat it unless there is swelling or the chicken is limping, etc. I have never had to do the bumblefoot surgery. So I am not the one to ask about that, sorry.