Leg scales are RISING?

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

If it is a leg deformity, do they pose any health threats?

 

[Kris5902]

The scaly leg mites I’ve dealt with have looked far more pronounced and went up the entire leg... most of the leg scales on your bird look ok. It can’t hurt to treat for the scaly leg mites with the oil as suggested, Though I’ve never heard of using cayenne pepper in it before. It could be the beginning of a scaly leg mite problem, and better to nip that in the bud!

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

That’s good to know. Thanks for helping!

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

I’ll give an update on her in about a week tops.

 

[Kris5902]

I would suggest treating both legs and going above the affected scales with the oil as well. I’ve been treating all the birds in the affected coop on our farm, because the mites can spread from bird to bird. As I mentioned our birds were already heavily infested when I got to the farm, realized that wasn’t normal and began researching the problem

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll do that.

 

[Cragg Klefor]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll do that.

Be Really gentle with the toothbrush if you are using this method - you could make her legs raw VERY easily.
You can also treat scaly leg mites with vaseline or basically any oil. Coat the legs daily - it smothers the mites. It looks like the mites have not been there long. It's a gentler approach perhaps.

 

[Clubber1234]

I use diatomaceous earth it treats all kinds of things like that.
Heres the link:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/450G-TUB...=item3af3f8a0b0:g:vDYAAOSwTY9ZX6El:rk:13:pf:0
Just be careful with it and DON'T get it in your eyes or lungs.

 

[Kris5902]

I skipped the toothbrush and just washed the legs and feet by hand in warm soapy water... maybe get a super soft kids toothbrush if you’re going that route. I tell the girls they are getting a pedicure!

 

[Kris5902]

I use diatomaceous earth it treats all kinds of things like that.
Heres the link:https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/450G-TUB...=item3af3f8a0b0:g:vDYAAOSwTY9ZX6El:rk:13:pf:0
Just be careful with it and DON'T get it in your eyes or lungs.

DE is good for many mites and lice, but doesn’t work well on scaly leg mites because they burrow under the scales of the legs and feet feed. The mites excrement raises the scales on the legs. Gently rubbing oil into the legs and up under the scales kills the little buggers though. The scales don’t always return to normal, but the chickens are definitely happier once they’ve had a few treatments.

The chickens I’m treating have not been handled much, but they are becoming more accustomed to it, some even seem to like the treatments now. I’m using plain Vaseline mixed with mineral oil to help it flow under the scales, but so it’s more of a solid to apply at first. Seems to be working well. Coconut oil would be a good base as well if you want to avoid the petroleum products, but I used what I had on hand