Care for some new arrivals in poor condition - where to begin with SLM?

[HollyWoozle]

Hi BYC buddies,

To cut a long story short (er), my Mum picked up 8 hens from a yard close to ours as the owner is overwhelmed, ashamed of their condition and was unable to care for them. Sadly we couldn't take them all (they had 19) but we have room for 8 and they are now in a better place and kept separate from ours for the time being.

They are nervous and I am not here when it's dark to look them over thoroughly yet (they live here where my parents live) but they almost definitely have mites, lice and probably worms too, all things which I will be tackling. They arrived 5 days ago and haven't laid any eggs, I think they are somewhat malnourished and it has been hot and stressful for them (we don't care about the eggs but I take it as another sign of their poor health). The SLM damage is on the more severe side and one of them has several bloody patches on her legs where she is fussing with them.

I do have some SLM spray and petroleum jelly as well but where would you begin with treating their legs? Would you go straight in with one of these two options? I do also have chlorhexidine spray, Vetericyn, various wound creams and also a cream for SLM. I am not sure I want to give them a wash when they are frightened at the moment and I guess those legs are really painful too.

Any tips welcome. One of them I believe to be blind in one eye and the one with the particularly legs wobbles and lifts her legs very high when she walks. I really feel for them!

 

[DobieLover]

I would start by soaking the legs in warm soapy water. Do this after dark and wear a head lamp as that will be less stressful for the birds. After about a 10 minute soak, very gently brush the scales sideways with a soft bristled tooth brush to remove debris and loose scales. Pat the legs/feet dry.

I would actually do both treatments. After you pat the legs dry, spray them with the SLM spray then let that dry while you do the next bird. Once the legs are dry from the SLM spray, I would mix some permethrin based poultry dust with the petroleum jelly then slather that on the feet/legs stroking up to push it under the scales.
I would repeat the petroleum jelly application 3 times a week for at least 2 weeks or until you start to see an improvement.

For the worms, I suggest taking a mixed fecal sample to your local vet and asking for a float so you know exactly what you are dealing with and can de-worm appropriately.

Keep an eye on the high walker. She may have a crop issue. Check her crop in the morning to ensure it is empty.

You've got your hands full. I hope these birds are well away from your flock and are not carrying anything communicable, other than what you already know about.

 

[HollyWoozle]

Thank you, this is really helpful advice! I’ll do my best for them and they’ll be staying separate for some time.

 

[McChooky]

Thank you, this is really helpful advice! I’ll do my best for them and they’ll be staying separate for some time.

Scaly mites burrow underneath the skin in featherless areas, on their feet and legs, on their belly(sometimes on their head, wattles or comb too). Ivermectin is recommended for scaly mites. Keeping oil on their feet and legs only smothers mites on their legs and feet. They won't grow new feathers or scales until after they molt so it may take a while before they start looking better. Vitamins A & D will strengthen their immune system. An antibiotic will be needed for any skin infections.https://www.poultrypages.com/scaly-leg-mites-in-chickens/