Rooster's Feathered feet look bad!

[khind]

I think you're correct.

But what I don't recognize are the bulbous-looking pores through which the feathers are emerging. Sometimes they've looked like that, even long before I noticed raised scales. I wonder if they're another bad issue, or if they might be related to scaly leg mites?

 

[BantyChooks]

But what I don't recognize are the bulbous-looking pores through which the feathers are emerging. Sometimes they've looked like that, even long before I noticed raised scales. I wonder if they're another bad issue, or if they might be related to scaly leg mites?

I think those are normal?

 

[khind]

As to the other issues you notice I often wonder the same with my feather footed birds.

I notice with wet weather their feet get funny. I give their feet an Epsom salt soak and light scub then make sure they are dry.

Their feet and leg feathers have a tendency to break. As long as it's not a pin feather that bleeds they don't seem to notice. Again I check their feet and help keep them clean.

Your comment reminds me that I soaked his feet in Epsom salts once probably beginning of Sept., after reading it might help with feather-foot issues. He is a very gentle, sweet rooster, but it was extremely hard to get him to wait in the solution for the prescribed 10 or 15 minutes (maybe I should have brought him inside the house and away from his flock; he was really keeping his eye on them). His feet looked better for a while.
Can you tell me what a pin feather is as opposed to a plain old feather? Whatever it is, though, I'm sure it explains the occasional, temporary bleeding I've seen a few times.

 

[khind]

I think those are normal?

I wonder the same thing... It kind of reminds me of my dad's whiskered face from when I was a kid. Sometimes he might have an ingrown hair, I guess, or just more noticeable pores where whiskers were emerging, especially after he shaved. Being the only feather-footed chicken I've got, Vanya's feet might just look strange to me because they're different from the others'.

 

[khind]

Well, without a photo its hard to say whether its leg mites. It wont hurt to treat him for it anyway. Ive heard of dipping feet and legs in gasoline then slathering them with A and D ointment. Or soak his feet and legs in Epsom salt water, using an old toothbrush on him. And then dip feet and legs in oil, any kind, then I would use 2tbls yellow sulfer powder mixed with 1/2 c Vaseline.

I'd also read about Castor Oil (on this forum from some old posts), and I have some on hand just for this purpose.

 

[khind]

Well, my poor Vanya will get treated asap. Tomorrow evening. Thank you all.

 

[khind]

Well, without a photo its hard to say whether its leg mites. It wont hurt to treat him for it anyway. Ive heard of dipping feet and legs in gasoline then slathering them with A and D ointment. Or soak his feet and legs in Epsom salt water, using an old toothbrush on him. And then dip feet and legs in oil, any kind, then I would use 2tbls yellow sulfer powder mixed with 1/2 c Vaseline.

The kitty in your profile pic is beautiful by the way!

 

[FlyingNunFarm]

I labeled my thoughts on what's in the picture. A pin feather is a feather with blood supply. They are generally larger stiff feathers. They break sometimes and can bleed like crazy.

 

[BantyChooks]

They break sometimes and can bleed like crazy.

They always give me a start until I realise they're just bleeding pin feathers.

I own Sultans and they break theirs quite a bit---pretty clumsy, eh?

 

[andreanar]

Yes, I would treat for scaly leg mites. I wouldn't do the gasoline method, as it might burn like crazy on his red areas. Try the yellow sulpher powder mixed with Vaseline. I would soak his legs first in warm water and rub legs with a toothbrush to loosen and soften up the scales, then dip the feet and legs in oil, then rub the sulpher/Vaseline mixture on.