Scaly leg mites, want to go straight to Ivermectrin

[Kaitie09]

I have a couple birds that are showing symptoms of scaly leg mites, with my rooster being the worst. We dealt with these in the past and used the Vaseline/ oil way. It took forever and we were not totally diligent with it. Now I live away during the week for college, but come home on weekends. I know my mom is not going to go out every night to soak the chicken's feet, so I want to move on to Ivermectrin for an all in one fix. I don't mind this way because I've seen a couple red mites on the birds in the past, and they need a worming anyway.

My question is is that they are moulting right now. I'm wondering if I should treat them now while they are not laying, or wait until winter. Either way, I know that I can't eat the eggs for some while I would like to treat now so it does not get any worse, but I'm wondering if it will stress them out more since some are moulting.

 

[ChicKat]

Good thoughts,

I think that the medication would be less stress than the parasites, and I would treat now. Post back to say what you decide to do, and how it worked out . I think that you will help others with the same dilemma.

 

[froggiesheins]

If you will take the time this method really really works well.... wrap chicken in towel, lay on their back and take a paring knife or an old nail file and scrape under and around EVERY scale and clean off all the mite poop from them. Slobber vaseline on the legs and wrap in gauze use paper tape/vet wrap to hold gauze on. Leave on 1 to 2 days, take off rescrape scales and put more vaseline on no wraps...That is usually all it takes.
Here is a picture of how BAD it can get...and this was taken AFTER I did the initial debridement.....This poor rescued fellow lost all his scales and two toes BUT I was able to save all the rest with this treatment. Here is a testiment to how good it works. I also de-spurred him so that is why the blood on the one spur yet. P.S. the end of the outside toe on the right foot was dead when I got him so was unable to save that toe...

AFTER TWO WEEKS:

 

[Kaitie09]

Personally, I would do it. However, I live on campus in another state an only come home on weekends. My mother would definitely not do that, especially to all 20 birds. We went to TSC and just picked up a spray for scaly leg mites. We'll try that out first because all she will have to do is spray them every other night.

 

[froggiesheins]

Yeah, that does make it hard......Please may I ask what is the name of the spray you got as I will be monitoring this roo and a few others that came to me like this.......so we can preserve what is left of their legs and feet.. This fellow walks / roosts like there is not a thing wrong......hes a sweetie..lol

 

[janinepeters]

If ease and convenience for your mom are important, have you thought about a few drops of Frontline (fipronil) placed on the back of each bird's neck? See link, and scroll down to about middle of page, to a post by "Twigs":
http://forums.thepoultrykeeper.co.uk/viewtopic.php?t=10656