This is Scaly Leg Mites, Right?

[Aunt Angus]

Might it be worms? I think I'll have a test done. Better to err on the side of caution.

And, to answer an earlier question: no, she isn't used to being handled. She's the most skittish and stand-offish of my flock. The others all eat from my hand and jump in my lap. Not Iris. She was also very needy as a chick. She cried a lot and wanted a lot of attention (ironic considering how little she wants to do with me now).

I will update as needed for more input. Thanks, again.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Might it be worms? I think I'll have a test done. Better to err on the side of caution.

And, to answer an earlier question: no, she isn't used to being handled. She's the most skittish and stand-offish of my flock. The others all eat from my hand and jump in my lap. Not Iris. She was also very needy as a chick. She cried a lot and wanted a lot of attention (ironic considering how little she wants to do with me now).

I will update as needed for more input. Thanks, again.

How old is she?
You mentioned she is molting, did she go broody?
No egg laying since the shell-less egg?

If she is molting, then yes, I would get a fecal float to check for worms if possible. If they do confirm worms, depending on what they are, use Valbazen instead of Fenbendazole.

 

[Aunt Angus]

She lays occasionally, maybe once a week or so. It's hard to tell sometimes. If all 4 lay, then I can tell them apart. When I have time off again, I will watch closely. She's only 10 months, but there are feathers everywhere, and I see new ones coming in on her neck. Her comb/wattles are plump and red, and she's not lethargic at all.

 

[Aunt Angus]

She lays occasionally, maybe once a week or so. It's hard to tell sometimes. If all 4 lay, then I can tell them apart. When I have time off again, I will watch closely. She's only 10 months, but there are feathers everywhere, and I see new ones coming in on her neck. Her comb/wattles are plump and red, and she's not lethargic at all.

Followed her around for a couple of hours this morning. She ate. She drank. She pooped. She gave me dirty looks.

Is it possible she just doesn't lay very often? Is it possible she's just a curmudgeon?

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Followed her around for a couple of hours this morning. She ate. She drank. She pooped. She gave me dirty looks.

Is it possible she just doesn't lay very often? Is it possible she's just a curmudgeon?

If she's molting, she likely is not laying eggs right now. It's not unheard of to lay during molt but most do not.

She's also molting at 10 months of age, not that unusual either. I've had pullets molt at 10 months as well. Some take their sweet time to grow back in feathers and begin laying too.

 

[aart]

She's also molting at 10 months of age, not that unusual either. I've had pullets molt at 10 months as well.

I have too, but not at this time of year.
Did you raise this bird from a chick?

Treating SLM takes times, the scales may never smooth back out.
And yes, the treatment gathers dirt.

 

[Aunt Angus]

I have too, but not at this time of year.
Did you raise this bird from a chick?

Treating SLM takes times, the scales may never smooth back out.
And yes, the treatment gathers dirt.

I've had her from day 1 (well, day 2, if we account for shipping time).

What might cause this mess?

 

[aart]

What might cause this mess?

What do you mean....where do the leg mites come from or why does the oil treatment gather dirt?

 

[Folly's place]

Making an unasked but relevant comment; in hot climates, you may want to avoid those cute fluffy breed types, who don't like heat very much. Try some of the warm weather breeds that aren't so happy here in Michigan!
Henderson's breed chart is very useful here.
I do hope your Cochin does fine.
Mary

 

[Aunt Angus]

What do you mean....where do the leg mites come from or why does the oil treatment gather dirt?

The feather loss. Sorry. Trying to work and keep up on threads ain't easy.