how can I remove manure build up on legs

[justtoni44]

Someone in the neighborhhood gave me 14 layers.
They were in pretty bad shape but seem to be doing well now............
Gained weight, nice shiney feathers ect.
Three of these have a ring of hard manure on thier leg.
Likely a build up from the dirty pen
Anyway, it is like cement and I do not have a clue how to get it off.
I would appreciate any suggestions.
Thank You

 

[kuntrygirl]

I have soaked my chickc feet in warm water. Depending on how thick the build up is, you may have to let their feet soak until the build up gets to the point where you can break it away from their legs. It is a slow and careful process, so that you do not hurt them. I have used tweezers to take the build up off after soaking it. I have had baby chicks that would get poop on their feet but it wasn't any type of build up. Please use gloves and make sure that you have plenty of paper towels. Be prepared to sit for a while. Put on some old clothing, take a seat and get to soaking feet.

 

[EweSheep]

if it is like white cement, it looks like scaley leg mites.

Slather some petoleum jelly on them to suffocate and sevin dust the roosts and areas they will be occupied in. Repeat after the fifth to seventh day and usually maintain it once a week to keep the mites at bay.

No, humans can not get those mites.

 

[kuntrygirl]

can u take a pic and post?

 

[justtoni44]

thank you. I will try to post a picture. have not done it before but my grandson knows how.
I am certain it is manure.....I think it built up over a leg band. Will move up and down, just really hard.
It is on one leg of each of the three birds.
I appreciate your time and concern.

 

[ranchhand]

Don't move it up, that will pull the leg scales away. The soaking is tedious, but it sounds like the right approach. Then only "scrape" at it in a downward motion.

 

[kuntrygirl]

Quote:
You're right. Soaking is VERY tedious. I have had to do that to a few hens that were given to me and it took a couple of hours but I knew that it had to be done. Poor hens......it's wasn't their fault and I just couldn't stand to see them looking like that. Good luck on the soaking if that is what you will do. Please keep us posted and let us know how they are doing?

 

[lemurchaser]

Quote:
Can you get under it? I would just take a pair of wire cutters and cut it off. I have a little pair of wire clippers, and I use them to take the zip ties off the chicks as they need to be replaced.

 

[justtoni44]

I'll let you know how it works out.
Nothing but time on my hands

Thanks