I Think My Chickens Have Mites!

[ScrambledAcresFarm]

My chicken's legs are white and the scales on their legs are raised. Is this mites? (1)How do I identify them, (2)How do I get rid of them?

 

[Poohbear]

Yeppers, I think you've got scaly leg mites. Scalet oil spray really is good for leg mites. You can mix Sevin dust and petroleum vaseline to smear on their legs to smother and kill scaley mite too. Frontline/Adams dog spray for the topside and smear for the legs. Works for me.

 

[ScrambledAcresFarm]

You mean I have to catch and treat each individually one? THeres not any thing else I can do?

 

[sewincircle]

So, if they are on the legs does that mean they are everywhere? (body)?

 

[ScrambledAcresFarm]

I think this kind just keeps to the legs.
I haven't noticed it anywhere else.

 

[sewincircle]

I see. Can you picture them with their feathers all raised up like a blowfish? That would not be good! Do you have to treat everyone or just the one with symptoms? And what about bedding? Does that all have to be burnt? Wow, I really hope not.

 

[ScrambledAcresFarm]

I'm sure I have to treat all of them at once and burning the old bedding and providing fresh would be the best thing to do. Too bad PooBear disapeared! I was hoping for more info!

 

[sewincircle]

Someone may know more too. I am watching as well! Its good to know. Good luck with your treatment.

 

[Boggy Bottom Bantams]

Yes you have to treat all of them.
As with any mite infestation, they are everywhere by now. Just use the above remidies, burn the bedding, and dust your houses and pens and surrounding area with the sevin dust.
It's noy as bad as it sounds.
These mites, do just effect the leg scales, but can be present in the feathers as well. a light boddy dusting with the sevin dust wouldnt hurt while you're at it!
Good luck
Aubrey

P.S
I dont think their feathers will puff up too bad! LOL

 

[crazy huhn]

Put Vaseline on the legs. It will suffocate the mites and smooth the scaly looks.
For the future I would put Diatomaceus Earth everywhere in the coop, ground, roost, nestboxes, walls.....Good luck.