Risk of scaley leg mite transfer?

[specklesmom]

We have one group of 4 older hens. When checking them over a couple of months ago I noticed reddish marks on the legs of the oldest hen. There were dark edges around the scales on her feet and those of another hen which did not wash off as I thought dirt would. I treated all four by washing their legs, then rubbing Campho Phenique onto their legs and feet. I attempted to brush Campho Phenique mixed with some olive oil over the perch in their house. I say "attempted" because we have added on to an inexpensive pre-fab coop and I have to practically stand on my head to try to reach all parts of the roost. I did the Campo rub on all the older chickens legs again about a week later and also treated the roost again. We've never noticed any problem with scaley leg mites (or any other lice, bugs, etc.) before and I'm hoping it has been cleared up, but now I am concerned about whether or not to integrate the older girls with the girls we got as day old chicks in early March. My husband built a new coop which we can move from place to place in the yard so they can access fresh grass. Only the new chicks are now living in it. I'm worried that if we move the older girls into the new coop they'll be bringing along scaley leg mites to the brand new, clean coop as well as exposing the new chicks to mites. We had planned to combine the groups, but could continue to keep them separated. It is a major chore to catch, wash and treat the older chickens, especially in the high heat and humidity here in Texas. Plus, I'm not that nimble and it is stressful for me and the chickens. Should we just keep the two groups separated? I looked at many, many posts about how to treat scaley leg mites and felt like the Campho Phenique rub was the best we could do. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[Lovem all]

Get D.E. in the coop so they can dust bath in it

 

[Mrs. K]

The DE is questionable, and to me so is the campo phenique. I would use real pesticide and get rid of them.

 

[specklesmom]

I just assumed that a pesticide that would kill the mites would harm the chickens or make them sick. They appear to be happy and healthy, despite the heat, although the one older hen isn't as active. What should I be looking for as far as their behavior, etc. that would confirm they really did/do have scaley leg mites?

 

[Mrs. K]

Post pictures of their legs, Ivomec will get rid of all parasites, which might not be a bad idea before moving them into the chicks. But if you do have parasites - go with real medicine, not homeopathic remedies. Those might work for general care, but an infestation needs serious treatment.

 

[aart]

What should I be looking for as far as their behavior, etc. that would confirm they really did/do have scaley leg mites?

Post pics of the feet.
Any oil or ointment will suffocate the mites,
they don't spread too quickly if at all.

Check for other pests too.
My Bug Check notes:
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).

Good post about mite ID by Lady McCamley:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/my-chicken-has-mites-now-what.1273674/page-2#post-20483008

 

[Mrs. K]

I have (whispering) never had mites, but I did a quick check, and the advice was they could quickly spread from bird to bird.

However, IN CATTLE - some cows are much more susceptible to lice, over the decades, DH has slowly eliminated them, and we seldom have a problem any more, but definitely some years are worse than others. Some years you will not see any mange in the wildlife, others years much more prevalent. Lots of factors.

Mrs K

 

[aart]

I have (whispering) never had mites, but I did a quick check, and the advice was they could quickly spread from bird to bird.

Northern fowl and roost mites can spread fast, but scaly leg mites not so much.

 

[specklesmom]

I was able to get pictures of the oldest girl's feet. I really think the Campho Phenique must have helped because she is the only one whose feet look a bit different. I will try to post photos tomorrow and will check out the information suggested. Thanks for responses!

 

[specklesmom]