Scaly Leg Mites?

[LeighHo]

I recently posted about other issues my hen (buff Brahma) is having. Now in looking at her feet, I'm wondering if she also might have scaly leg mites? I'm attaching a picture of her feet.

 

[Eggcessive]

Yes those are pretty advanced scaly leg mites. I would bring her in and soak her legs in warm Epsom salts or soap water for 20 minutes. Try loosening scales with an old toothbrush or rag. Dry well and apply a good coating of either vaseline, mineral oil, Vicks salve, or Nustock cream every other day for a few days, then twice a week. That will smother the mites. It may take some weeks for new scales to eventually grow in. Does she dust bathe or wear down her nails? If not, check the nails to see if they need a slight trim.

 

[LeighHo]

Thank you. That's what I was afraid of. She's quarantined right now due to other health issues. We will do the Epsom salt bath and get some Vaseline. She won't eat that stuff of her legs?

 

[dawg53]

Thank you. That's what I was afraid of. She's quarantined right now due to other health issues. We will do the Epsom salt bath and get some Vaseline. She won't eat that stuff of her legs?

It's highly unlikely she will eat Vaseline, most likely impossible. Personally, I'd use Nu-Stock on her legs and toes.

 

[Debbie292d]

I recently posted about other issues my hen (buff Brahma) is having. Now in looking at her feet, I'm wondering if she also might have scaly leg mites? I'm attaching a picture of her feet.

Gosh, I'd say you and she both need a break!

I go through SLM (scaley leg mites) about every two years with these chickens. Your poor hen has it pretty bad, but the advice above will get that looking much better! Just keep up the treatment for a couple of weeks and then it just takes time, sometimes months.

 

[Eggcessive]

Vicks which has menthol or Nustock with sulfur and pine oil would be good ones, but the vaseline works well too. Let us know how it helps.