mites

[PhilipF]

My chickens have leg mites and I have been doing some research. The elector psp is out of my financial range at this time. I read that Captain Jacks dead bug brew works, but there is controversial data. Some say do not use on chickens. Anyone know whether it is safe as it is priced better that the ESP with same active ingredient. Or any other simple effective treatments suggested???

 

[nuthatched]

Both are a spinosad based insecticide, they should work the same at the same dilution.

 

[BDutch]

My chickens have leg mites and I have been doing some research. The elector psp is out of my financial range at this time. I read that Captain Jacks dead bug brew works, but there is controversial data. Some say do not use on chickens. Anyone know whether it is safe as it is priced better that the ESP with same active ingredient. Or any other simple effective treatments suggested???

You can suffocate the mites too with oily substances like Vaseline, petroleum jelly, or soft paraffin. No poison needed.
Some people make a mix.

@Shadrach what do you use?

 

[Shadrach]

There are articles in the Learning Center that offer good advice on the topic.
This one for example.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/treating-scaly-leg-mites-slm-what-you-need-to-know.77376/

 

[CoopCareLior]

Hi, Scaly leg mites can be tricky, a lot of people run into this and assume it’s the same as regular coop mites, but it behaves a bit differently.

They actually live under the leg scales, so surface sprays or general treatments don’t always reach them effectively.

That’s why most approaches focus on:

• softening or lifting the scales
• applying something that can stay in contact long enough to work underneath

Consistency matters more than anything here, it usually takes repeated applications over time rather than a one-time treatment.

The good thing is they spread relatively slowly, so catching it early makes it much easier to manage.

Are you already seeing raised or crusty scales, or just starting to notice changes?

 

[PhilipF]

Hi, Scaly leg mites can be tricky, a lot of people run into this and assume it’s the same as regular coop mites, but it behaves a bit differently.

They actually live under the leg scales, so surface sprays or general treatments don’t always reach them effectively.

That’s why most approaches focus on:

• softening or lifting the scales
• applying something that can stay in contact long enough to work underneath

Consistency matters more than anything here, it usually takes repeated applications over time rather than a one-time treatment.

The good thing is they spread relatively slowly, so catching it early makes it much easier to manage.

Are you already seeing raised or crusty scales, or just starting to notice changes?

there are alot of raised crusty white scales

 

[CoopCareLior]

That does sound consistent with scaly leg mites, especially with the raised, crusty buildup you’re describing. At that stage, the key is really getting underneath those scales rather than just treating the surface. Most people have better results when they focus on:
* softening the scales first -so what you apply can actually reach underneath
* applying something that stays in contact long enough to work
* repeating it consistently over time
It usually doesn’t clear all at once, you’ll see gradual improvement as the scales start to smooth out and new healthy growth comes in.

The good thing is that once you stay consistent with it, it’s very manageable, just takes a bit of patience to fully resolve.

 

[TinyChickin]

diatomaceous earth kills other mites, I don't know if it would work on leg mites.

 

[BDutch]

diatomaceous earth kills other mites, I don't know if it would work on leg mites.

You cant apply it on the legs bc its dust. And if it’s wet, it isn’t effective. Adding DE in a sandbath might help. I do this and never had chickens with SLM or feather lice. But that’s not proof it actually works.

 

[CoopCareLior]

You cant apply it on the legs bc its dust. And if it’s wet, it isn’t effective. Adding DE in a sandbath might help. I do this and never had chickens with SLM or feather lice. But that’s not proof it actually works.

That’s a solid approach, especially the focus on getting under the scales. One thing that helps to keep in mind with scaly leg mites is that improvement usually shows up gradually rather than all at once. As the treatment works, the old scales will start to loosen and new, healthier growth comes in underneath. Because of that, it can sometimes look like it’s not working at first, even when it is.

Staying consistent over time tends to be the biggest factor , once the cycle is broken, they usually don’t come back unless reintroduced.