So, would you say this is Scaly Leg Mites on my Mille Fleur hen?

[FlockofThree]

I didn't want to hijack the thread...but my question is related to the discussion on:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1344

This is my Mille Fleur Bantam hen's foot. Also, she has lost all her tail feathers as have the other two coop mates, which I figured was just their normal molt. But then I saw the scales on the foot and did some research. As of right now the Silky and the Silver Seabright do not have raised scales--just balding butts.

Lastly, is there a suggestion for how to get the Ivermec? I made a few calls and got no help. Online, the only size I found is 250 mL for $36.00. I guess it is not the price it is the wastefulness. At 0.25 mL per Bantam this is overkill.

Thanks for any help. I really am glad BYC is back online.
Kaye in Oregon

 

[robin416]

The price on the Ivermectin is about right. The plus is that you just put the top back on and have it for treatment in the future. Remember, it also treats the birds for intestinal worms too.

I'm wondering if you don't have more than scaly leg mites. I've been sitting here trying to remember if my Silkies ever lost all of their tail feathers during a molt, the answer is no. I've never noticed them even losing a few.

 

[Wes in Tx]

I would not say that is scaley leg mites at all, it could just be dirty legs.

I have and OEGB rooster that has had legs and feet like that for nearly 3 years and he does NOT have leg mites. Lots of times birds can get alot of build up under the scales and cause that. You can wash and scrub under the scales with a tooth brush and then oil them good and see what happens. Frankly I don't bother as long as it isn't bothering the bird.

 

[cornishman]

i use a sponge and a bucket of ivory soap and water to clean the legs. then i rub on some vetrx that can be bought at the feedstore or co-op. if you want to make sure to get rid of scaly leg mites then i use 1/2 motor oil and 1/2 kerosene mixture. you also need to treet your roost poles. scarlet oil is also good. the oil will smother the mites, the kero will kill them. hope this helps...cornishman.

 

[prariechiken]

WD-40 on the legs..keep em from squeeking when they walk too...LOL

 

[Picco]

Looks like mites to me. My flock has a terrible case and today I treated them for it. I called a local vet and he recommended the use of Ivomec (Ivermectin) injection for cattle and swine 1% sterile solution. He said to give it to the whole flock orally with a dose of .01-.03 cc depending on the bird's weight. I'll repeat the dosage again in 10 days. I also sprayed the legs of all my birds with redcote. Its a wound spray used for horses. It has scarlet oil which will suffocate the mites and other ingredients to help heal the legs (thanks byc forum for this advice). The redcote helps identify which birds have aready been treated which is helpful if you have a lot of look alikes. Its a good idea to give your coop a good spring cleaning because the mites can live their too. I sprayed all the roosts/walls/floors with a bleach and water solution and dusted al surfaces with poultry pesticide powder. After that I added fresh bedding. Do the nest boxes too.

Ivomec is pretty powerful stuff so be careful and use it sparingly. It is not FDA approoved for chickens but many people use it anyway. Just don't eat any eggs or meat for at least six weeks. Also this pesticide can be fatal to dogs and other critters so keep it locked up in a safe place.

Ivomec should be available at any tractor supply store or feed store. You can also order it from a catalog. Here's a link to Nasco's website: http://www.enasco.com/farmandranch/Buscar.do?q=ivomec&catalog=

 

[Barnyard Dawg]

Scaly mites are external parasites that only affect the shanks and feet of older hens. Topical treatment for leg mites include scrubbing feet with soapy water and ammonia then rubbing in a solution of garlic, cayenne and vinegar. You can also try smothering the mites by applying a coat of mineral oil, lavender oil, or vaseline to the feet and shanks everyday. Internally it is helpful to boost the bird's own defenses by giving a free-choice mineral mix, kelp, and fresh greens. Roost and nest should be treated, this is when the use of cedar chips could be helpful in nesting boxes. This is a very difficult parasite to eliminate.