Long scales on toes

[Sallyhens]

Hello! I have a 4 yr old GLW with a funky toe issue.

My hens had a light touch of scaly leg mites last year, which I treated with Elector PSP.

This hen’s scales close to the nail were slightly raised and a little long when I treated her for mites. I assumed that these old/damaged scales would shed and regrow, but these few just keep getting longer and longer. They’re starting to push some other scales backwards.

I fear that her toes hurt. I’ve noticed she doesn’t scratch quite as deep or dust bathe really hard like the other hens do. Otherwise, she’s fine and in good spirits. Does all of the chicken things, physically looks great (besides the toes), and is very much the top hen.

I plan to treat all of them with Elector PSP again soon. But, any ideas about fixing this long scale issue? Frequent soaks and light scrubs? Should I ignore it because she seems mostly fine? Vitamin deficiency?

I feed my hens Kalmbach 20% Flock Maker Crumbles with free choice calcium. They get healthy treats every day. I will note that this hen hasn’t laid an egg in 2 years. I think she went through early henopause, but she’s always had a red comb and it didn’t seem to be health related.

Thanks y'all!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hi,

We feed ours the same, and go through SLM about every two years. We started with Vaseline the first few years, then when we got so many silkies, we switched to Ivermectin.

I do not want to even surmise the Elector PSP has anything to do with your hen, but I would try a different product just in case. If it's just her, maybe the Vaseline method of slathering her feet and legs every other day for three times, then repeat in a week, would work and help her feel better.

I've not used vitamins to treat them specifically for SLM, but they do get a boost in their feed. Surely, mites can take a lot out of a chicken, and if she's uncomfortable with her feet, maybe vitamins would help a bit.

For their water, we use Poultry Cell, and in their feed, 1/4 dose of Rooster Booster pellets.