Early Stages of Scaly Leg Mite?

[Knittycat]

I've seen some examples on BYC of nasty cases of scaly leg mite, but I'm curious to know what a very early or light case would look like. I got to looking at my chickens really closely today, and one of them seems to have slightly discolored and slightly lifted scales on her ankle. Not much just a little. Is this an early warning sign of leg mite or is it normal and I've just never noticed it before?

 

[Judy]

I don't think they should be lifted. And Vaseline won't hurt her.

If that's what it is, good for you for catching it early!

 

[CMV]

Yeah, they shouldn't be lifted. Discoloration is not unexpected and happens all the time for this or that reason, but when the scales appear to be lifted then you have a problem. Looks like you have a fun evening of lubing up some chicken legs ahead of you! Bugs are such a pain...

Good luck.

 

[Knittycat]

Thanks! Tomorrow is going to be...fun...

 

[LuvinMyPeeps]

I bought a pair at a swap once who had it really really bad. What I did was first soak their feet in warm water with a couple squirts of Dawn dish detergent. Soak it for about 5-10 mins. Then I scrubbed as best I could underneath the scales with a firm toothbrush, then dried. The rooster loved it! Then I completely covered his legs to the drumstick with vaseline. I continued applying the vaseline every other day for a week. What a DIFFERENCE! It was amazing! I'm telling you I would not have believed it, had I not seen it for myself.

The process is tedious, but your chickens will love you for it!

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

It's easier to use cooking spray than to rub on Vaseline