Scaly leg mites

[Gammond]

Just got a few hens from the same farm I got half of my flock from. I didn't think to check for leg mites.. I treated her with olive oil spray. Should I separate her or just keep on top of the treatment? How often should I treat? She is very wild and sounds like she's dying whenever I catch her.

 

[Gammond]

Anyone?

 

[aart]

No need to separate, but might treat the other birds too.
Scaly leg mites can spread but do so pretty slowly.

Treat every few days or at least once a week.
Try to get some of that 'dirt' off....get the oil up under the scales.
I use bag balm, messy but you can pack it up under the raised scales then wipe off as much excess as possible.

I treat my birds off the roost at night, easier to catch that way..haha.
I wear a headlight so I can have both hands free and have a chair in the coop shed so I can sit down with bird on it's back on my lap. Covering their heads with a towel can help calm them down. Always keep their wings contained...the less they are able to struggle the sooner they will submit...and the more you handle them the less most will struggle as they get used to it...talk softly and be calm yourself, they can 'feel' your anxiety.

It will take quite awhile for improvement to show, maybe a little within the first week but can be much longer for new scales to grow in smooth.

 

[eagrbeavr]

I picked up from one of these flockmasters that they recommended castor oil. I started this year using it in Spring and Fall. I used the equinoxes as my schedule. I'm finding it works great.

 

[Gammond]

I am in central BC. 3 vets in my area recommended ivermec either orally or topically. The BC poultry association recommended the same.

 

[aart]

I am in central BC. 3 vets in my area recommended ivermec either orally or topically. The BC poultry association recommended the same.

Yep, that'll work too, if you want to go the chemical route.
Scaly leg mites are the easiest pest to kill and chemicals are not needed.

 

[lazy gardener]

Agreed. The application of any oil will smother them. If mites present multiple treatments to kill any eggs and late hatchers. Why give them a systemic medication when it's not needed.

 

[Gammond]

Agreed.  The application of any oil will smother them.  If mites present multiple treatments to kill any eggs and late hatchers.  Why give them a systemic medication when it's not needed.

I'm about an hour away from the nearest grocery store. I've heard some dipping their chickens feet in pinesol. Too toxic?

 

[Gammond]

I also have this

 

[aart]

I would not use pinesol or murphy soap.

You have no cooking oil in the house????.....or Vaseline/petroleum jelly?

An hour from any store with grocery products?
Where do you live?