Let's look at some feet...

[Kirmi8]

Okay, well. I've gone into full scaley leg mite paranoia. Can winter and temperature fluctuations cause some leg/feet changes? We've gone from -40C to 5C several times now. I'm pretty fastidious about cleaning the coop and turning bedding daily and removing feces from roosts.

Here are some pictures, tell me your thoughts! I hope I'm just being paranoid.

 

[JustBabyMargo]

I don’t see anything wrong other than maybe some overgrown toe nails.

 

[azygous]

The fleet of feet appear worn and scruffy, but I see no serious issues. Yeah, time to trim some nails, though.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

They don't look mitey, but they do have some long nails. Don't worry, they can be trimmed with kitty trimmers pretty easily. Their legs might be dry from cold air with low humidity? I know chickens do slough off old scales as they get older. Could be that this is the case.

 

[Kirmi8]

I don’t see anything wrong other than maybe some overgrown toe nails.

Okay, phew! I think I've just been seeing too many posts on FB groups about mites and anytime there is a scale out of place people are telling them to treat for leg mites. Other than keeping coop clean as I can and having dust baths available, is there any other preventions tips?

And yes, the ladies need nail trims badly. I got half of my leghorns done this fall and just haven't got back to doing them again yet. Most of them are fairly wrangy, so it's an undertaking on my own. We increased their outdoor run size this summer and I was hoping they would be able to wear them down more on their own. Thankfully most of BYM don't have long nail issues.

 

[azygous]

I hope you'll keep stopping by BYC for your information on poultry. I think you'll find the information you'll get here is quite a bit more reliable than information on Facebook.

 

[Kirmi8]

I hope you'll keep stopping by BYC for your information on poultry. I think you'll find the information you'll get here is quite a bit more reliable than information on Facebook.

Oh absolutely! If I can't calm my paranoia with Merck or my chicken enabling RVT friend (or if emergent, my vet) I come here!

I mostly stay on the FB groups for fun pictures and to help direct people with issues I have experience with (which is typically the advice of "don't do that! Please call your vet!" Lol). It's good for somethings, but not usually for medical advice. Thanks again for your input; I can chill out now until the next thing pops up .

 

[Kirmi8]

Hey, would it be of any value to use Doktor Doom spray (permethrin) on their legs just in case?

 

[azygous]

If you mix up a soaking solution it would be more effective, getting under the scales where simple spraying might miss.

 

[LaFleche]

Hey, would it be of any value to use Doktor Doom spray (permethrin) on their legs just in case?

We've gone from -40C to 5C several times now.

With the above mentioned temperatures of -40°C I would abstain from treating them. You could give them severe frostbite.

Wait for warmer temperatures of some +10°C and above.