Hen started limping in February, what tto do?

[bigcat]

I have three hens and one rooster. I'm new to this I have only had my flock since last May. In February I noticed one hen not putting any weight on one leg. She struggled to even put it down. She has been getting around with help from her wings, leaving the coop only occationaly on warm days. (I live in Maine) She eats well but I think has only laid one egg since the longer days. She seems to be putting more weight on her bad foot these days but both of her feet look awful, all crusty looking and her good foot was bleeding the other day. I don't know how old they are or what breed. She is large and black, lays brown eggs. Any ideas? Is it time to harvest her? Again I'm new to this. Thanks for any help, Frank

 

[Kaitie09]

It sounds like a severe case of scaly leg mites. In the worst cases, they can start to loose toes ad their feet. Could you post a picture of her legs? Also, the breed sounds like either a Jersey Giant or Black Australorp. It normally spreads to other birds, so your other may have scales that look raised. Do a search on here for scaly leg mites and you will find a ton of threads.

 

[bigcat]

Would these mites start in the middle of the winter when temps are below freezing all the time? Or would they (the mites) just come about during the idleness created by the initial injury? I will get pictures. Thanks

 

[klmclain1]

Yes! They can (and do) occur in the winter. Her feet are probably miserable. Soak them in very warm, soapy water and using a toothbrush gently scrub her feet all the way up to her feathers getting them nice and softened up. Rinse well, pat dry, and slather with vaseline. Put the vaseline on daily for a few days - this will smother the mites. Her feet will not look well for quite a long time as the scales have to eventually shed - I have heard it could be months. But the mites will be dead.