Silkie's feet are swollen, toenails are disappearing

[weesy68]

I have two three year old silkies. One of them has rapidly developed an ugly foot issue, her toes have swollen up and effectively dropped off. She has lost most of her claws. In every other way she is in good health. Still hobbles around, great appetite, laying occasionally, goes broody, just acting like a normal silkie. What on earth could be causing this and what can I do for her?

 

[Erica]

Hi weesy68
is there any chance you could put up a photo? Photos make it much easier to see what's going on.

If she couldn't possibly have scaly leg mites (it would take a very bad case to affect the toenail) I'd be wondering whether it's nutritional. But without a photo it's just too hard to imagine.

best wishes
Erica

 

[Noobchick]

Yup- sounds like scaly leg mites to me. Did you notice whether the scales of her legs were raised? Chicken legs have segments but they are supposed to lie flat against the leg. It should be smooth to the touch.

How long has this been going on?? When did you first notice a problem?