Scaly Leg Mites!

[Flappy Bird]

Hello all. I’ve noticed a change in my chickens’ legs and have become concerned. I believe, according to some research on the internet, that they have scaly leg mites. I have concluded this because of the dead-looking, lifting scales on their legs. The mites don’t seem to hinder them, though the way my rooster walks now is worrying. I’m not sure it is related to the scaly legs mites, but the rooster seems to stretch one leg much farther than the other. It doesn’t slow him down, as he runs just as well as the other chickens, but it still troubles me.

I apologize because I am not currently home and cannot take any pictures. As soon as I arrive, I will take some and post.

 

[dawg53]

I have another question. My rooster has proven to be complicated. He flaps away, and I’m afraid he might attack me. I was wondering how it would be best to treat him. Should I grab him from the roost at nighttime and do the treatment then?

Yes, night time is best. You can wrap him snugly in a towel with his legs and feet exposed at one end. Use clothespins to secure the towel wrapped around him, then apply whatever product you want to use to treat him.

 

[Flappy Bird]

Thank you! This certainly helped.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Welcome To BYC

Photos are always helpful.

In the mean time, here's some reading about a few different methods of treating SLM.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scaly-leg-mites-in-chickens/

 

[Flappy Bird]

This is pretty much what their legs look like. I believe it is scaly leg mites, but a second opinion would be great.

 

[Flappy Bird]

Welcome To BYC

Photos are always helpful.

In the mean time, here's some reading about a few different methods of treating SLM.
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scaly-leg-mites-in-chickens/

Thank you for the reply! This article certainly helped. Reading through the options, I think I will go with number one.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I agree with you, it does look like Scaly Leg Mites.

 

[Henhouse Harlot]

I highly recommend the towel method, roosters at night can, and do still get frisky! I just go straight for the head, then after the towel is over that, I wrap him up snuggly. Good luck!

 

[Flappy Bird]

@Henhouse Harlot

Thank you! My rooster does seem to be very unattached. Sadly, we have no connection.

 

[Flappy Bird]

I have another question. My rooster has proven to be complicated. He flaps away, and I’m afraid he might attack me. I was wondering how it would be best to treat him. Should I grab him from the roost at nighttime and do the treatment then?