Hen with missing/raised scales on legs

[StinkyAcres]

Hi, everyone. I recently noticed one of my hens seems to be missing at least one scale on each leg/foot. All the other scales looked normal to me. What could be causing this? Does this only mean scaly leg mites or could it be something else? I'll try to get photos later. Thanks!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

It sounds like scaly leg mites. We need photos to confirm. Good luck!

 

[Chickassan]

Could be mites could have just scraped them off. Usually with mites the scales are raised they kind of look like loose shingles as opposed to just one or two coming off. Picture will tell.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Thanks! I tried to get some photos, but it was kind of difficult since I can't catch her while she's free ranging. I hope you can see what's going on.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Could be mites could have just scraped them off. Usually with mites the scales are raised they kind of look like loose shingles as opposed to just one or two coming off. Picture will tell.

Yep. We do need a picture.

 

[StinkyAcres]

It does look like they are lifted a bit, huh?

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Thanks! I tried to get some photos, but it was kind of difficult since I can't catch her while she's free ranging. I hope you can see what's going on.
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That doesn't seem like mites. It could be the beginning, or just not a severe case. But I would think it's more likely to be that she just scrapped some off or they are raised from her rubbing them against something.

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

How long since you noticed this?

 

[StinkyAcres]

At the tip of one back toe there is a mass of...something. What could that be? : \

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

You may just want to lather the raised areas in Vaseline to suffocate possible mites. It can't hurt the bird, and if there were mites, they would be gone.