Scaly leg mites

[jaw885]

Hello!

I think/know my chickens are infested with scaly leg mites. This has never happened before and I’m not sure how to treat it the simplest way possible. I am not able to spend tons of time in the coop because I am a new mom so practicality is needed. I also live in Saskatchewan with the snow and cold and was hoping that could be used to my benefit at least with cleaning out the coop and hoping to kill the mites that are living in the coop and not on the birds that way are there any products I can try that get the job done fast?

 

[Eggcessive]

Can you post any pictures of the chickens’ legs? Raised scales and gray ashy material are signs. Soaking the legs in warm soapy water, and using an old toothbrush to gently brush the scales to clean them is good if you can bring them inside where it is warm enough. Then after drying the legs, apply petroleum jelly and rub it into the legs to smother the mites. Repeat this a couple of times a week (not necessary to soak legs.) Permethrin is good for coop treatment, but that is not available in Canada. Sulfur powder might be a good alternative to treat coop, nests, and roosts. Neem oil is another product that can be used. This article may be helpful:
https://cs-tf.com/scaly-leg-mites/

 

[jaw885]

Here are some examples!

 

[jaw885]

Here are some examples! View attachment 3029362View attachment 3029363

 

[Eggcessive]

The last picture looks like the worst. I would use the vaseline for a few weeks until new scales grow in.

 

[jaw885]

The last picture looks like the worst. I would use the vaseline for a few weeks until new scales grow in.

How often?

 

[jaw885]

And should I be doing anything to the coop?

 

[Eggcessive]

I would apply it twice a week, and you can use Martins or Gordons permethrin 10 spray mixed with water to treat the coop, nests, and roosts after removing coop bedding and replacing it. Here are some mixing instructions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/permethrin-10-mixing-instructions.1510671/

 

[jaw885]

I would apply it twice a week, and you can use Martins or Gordons permethrin 10 spray mixed with water to treat the coop, nests, and roosts after removing coop bedding and replacing it. Here are some mixing instructions:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/permethrin-10-mixing-instructions.1510671/

Thank you so much!

 

[Kriscam]

Hello!

I think/know my chickens are infested with scaly leg mites. This has never happened before and I’m not sure how to treat it the simplest way possible. I am not able to spend tons of time in the coop because I am a new mom so practicality is needed. I also live in Saskatchewan with the snow and cold and was hoping that could be used to my benefit at least with cleaning out the coop and hoping to kill the mites that are living in the coop and not on the birds that way are there any products I can try that get the job done fast?

I'm going to give this method a try that was shared on another thread - soak to clean (I'm going to use baby wash), dip in rubbing alcohol 1-2 minutes, then apply A&D ointment to soften and promote healing. I'll repeat in 7 days and hope that clears it up. I've had good luck spraying our coop with Elector PSP, and rubbing roosts down with neem oil. Permethrin sprays and powder are effective but are harmful to wildlife and waterways.