Hello all, I have just joined this group, am posting in the hopes that someone here will have an idea of what this is on my hen's legs. I first noticed these crusty spots in the early spring. Started soaking her legs in diluted betadine, slathering vaseline or calendula ointment on & wrapping, to soften it up & get it off. The stuff turned yellow, looked like it could be peeled off, but pulling at it made it bleed a lot, so I would very gently brush it w/ a soft tothbrush while it was submerged. It was suggested I let it dry out, so I did, & since then it has continued to thicken. It is very hard, like a scab. I have shown the bird or pictures to several people that are knowledgable about poultry, including a vet who specializes in poultry health at a large university; nobody has a clue what this is. Vet said if it was on just 1 leg he would think myxosacrcoma (retroviral induced tumor – Rous sarcoma virus group, based on the color. Best guess is granulation tissue. Nobody thinks fungus because it is so hard. I would take her to a vet, but am doubtful I can find one who would know anymore than the specialist. The good news is the hen, who is about 15 years old now, is still eating & drinking, behaving relatively normally. And none of the other birds have gotten whatever this is. Many thanks for any help, advice or suggestions! Aimee The 1st 2 pics were taken in April, after weeks of soaking. The next 2 were taken today. Whatever this is, it has thickened to the point that it split open.
I really don't know what it is. It almost looks like a very severe case of Scaly leg mites(Which I get rid of with vaseline) Ask @Wyorp Rock She will tell you what she knows Hope this helps -BCP
I did treat her for scaly leg mites last year, using vaseline. I also wormed her w/ Ivermectin about 2 mos. ago. I did only give 1 dose, bc I was told it did not look like scaly leg mites. Thanks, Aimee
And if it was scaly leg mites, I assume the scales on her toes & lower leg/foot would be affected....? Thank you. Aimee
I don't have a clue as to what that is. 15yrs old your hen has done well. If it were Scaly Leg Mite, I would think with the soaking and slathering on oil/vaseline and the Ivermetin treatment would have taken care of most of it. It's interesting for sure though. Hopefully someone else will have a better idea.
You're in good company as far as having no idea what this is! LOL! The good news is, I am going to send a tissue sample off for analysis. I have my fingers crossed that it can be ID'd & successfully treated. She's an old timer, for sure! But still spunky & healthy aside from the leg stuff. Thanks, Aimee