Treating Scaly Leg Mites in 60+ Birds

[casportpony]

The Chicken Chick has an a write-up on using gasoline as suggested by an avian vet, I believe. Might want to look that up since it was a fairly sraightforward and quick process.

He's not a vet.

 

[casportpony]

Since I'm doing organic method, petrochemicals (which includes gasoline and vasoline) are out as well. I did read a write up that suggested using grain alcohol as a dip instead.

Whatever you decide to do, can you document what you do and take pictures as you do it? It sure would be helpful to have a tutorial.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Here's a question. Could the clean legged birds that just have scale lifting on their feet from having a wet paddock for an extended period and not necessarily have leg mites?

Whatever you decide to do, can you document what you do and take pictures as you do it? It sure would be helpful to have a tutorial.

YES! If I do the full flock treatment, I will document the whole thing and write it up. Would it be better as an article or an informational thread (or I could do both).

 

[casportpony]

Here's a question. Could the clean legged birds that just have scale lifting on their feet from having a wet paddock for an extended period and not necessarily have leg mites?

Possibly? Maybe try an experiment on one. Fill your bathtub with a few inches of warm water then soak a hen in it for 30-45 minutes. Once soaked, clean the lifted scales with a fingernail brush or toothbrush and see how it looks after a week.

YES! If I do the full flock treatment, I will document the whole thing and write it up. Would it be better as an article or an informational thread (or I could do both).

Either way would be good.

 

[Redhead Rae]

Possibly? Maybe try an experiment on one. Fill your bathtub with a few inches of warm water then soak a hen in it for 30-45 minutes. Once soaked, clean the lifted scales with a fingernail brush or toothbrush and see how it looks after a week.

I'll probably try my Cornish trio first. Their legs are the worst I've seen. I keep them in a breeder pen inside my main paddock.

Either way would be good.

I'll probably add it to my blog as well.

 

[Eggcessive]

The gasoline treatment listed as an option by TheChickenChick, Kathy Shea Mormino, an RN, is a recommendation of a vet she consulted and named. She said she listed
that only because it kills the mites on contact. Then she recommends washing it off. I have never done this.

Using something so harsh has always seemed drastic, but a lot of oldtimers have used gasoline or kerosene for leg mites. I prefer less toxic methods, but when you ask for help here, people give their opinions on what has worked.
I do think that ivermectin pour-on is to be applied to the back of the neck where it will be absorbed into the spinal cord.

 

[casportpony]

is a recommendation of a vet she consulted and named.

The person she gives credit to on her website is a Ph.D., not a vet.

OPTION 4: Gasoline & A&D ointment

This method is recommended by
Dr. Michael Darre, PhD, Poultry Extension Specialist for New England at the University of Connecticut. It is effective and works quickly.

 

[casportpony]

I do think that ivermectin pour-on is to be applied to the back of the neck where it will be absorbed into the spinal cord.

I think it can be applied anywhere on the body. I will verify this on some of mine.

 

[RodNTN]

I have had chickens that have had SEVERE leg mites, and by just drenching their legs with coconut oil spray and smothering Vaseline all over their legs works if I do it faithfully every few days.
But I wasn't dealing with 60+ chickens Hope you find something that works!

 

[Redhead Rae]

I have had chickens that have had SEVERE leg mites, and by just drenching their legs with coconut oil spray and smothering Vaseline all over their legs works if I do it faithfully every few days.
But I wasn't dealing with 60+ chickens Hope you find something that works!

If mine have them, it isn't severe yet, probably still a mild case. Just some scale lifting. No crusting or flaking scales. No sores from picking. No lameness.