How do I treat scaly leg mites in the winter?

[starfiresr22]

Hi All,

I am very new to raising chickens, my three hens are just about 8 months old and they are my first ever, and one of them has scaly leg mites. I was unable to get a picture, but based on other pictures I am 98% sure that is what is going on. My question is should I be treating them differently because it is the middle of winter, and temperatures are in the low teens. Everything I read says to soak her legs and then scrub them gently, however can I still do that when it is so cold out if I keep her indoors until she dries? She also has feathered legs, so does that change anything?

Thanks in advance,
Kate

 

[Wyandottes7]

Feather legged birds are very prone to getting scaly leg mites. I would apply some petroleum jelly, as well as you can, on the scaled portion of the legs. You can also dip the legs in vegetable or mineral oil, which should smother the mites. Do this every day for about a week. The scales may never return to normal, but the mites should be killed.

 

[Charliesgirls]

Thank you so much for asking this very question bc I have the same problem with one of my girls. I've got to trim her nails too, and I also heard giving them a warm water bath with Epsom salt can help soften the legs/feet up, and then once she comes out smother her feet with Vaseline. Hopefully it helps.

 

[paddock36]

I always mixed Seven dust (or poultry dust) with Vaseline and covered the legs on my clean leg birds. I never had the issue on my feather leg birds but did bathe our birds that were shown, so maybe that's why.