Treating Scaly Leg Mites in 60+ Birds

[Folly's place]

I'd make absolutely sure that you are dealing with leg mites before treating for them! You and your birds don't need the hassle unless it's necessary.
Mary

 

[Redhead Rae]

I'd make absolutely sure that you are dealing with leg mites before treating for them! You and your birds don't need the hassle unless it's necessary.
Mary

How do I find that out?

 

[casportpony]

I thought the pour on wasn't water soluble

Neither are.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

How do I find that out?

X2? My new banty roo has raised scales, but mostly on his toes. It looks like tiny pieces of dirt is underneath them, mites? Freaking out if it is, don't want my whole flock to have that. I know you can coat vaseline on the feet to suffocate the mites, does that really work or is it a waste of time and money?
Also, why must the scaly leg mites be removed? I understand they're disgusting and nasty, and perhaps uncomfortable to the bird, but can they get so bad that it causes the bird to weaken or fail to thrive?

 

[Molpet]

X2? My new banty roo has raised scales, but mostly on his toes. It looks like tiny pieces of dirt is underneath them, mites? Freaking out if it is, don't want my whole flock to have that. I know you can coat vaseline on the feet to suffocate the mites, does that really work or is it a waste of time and money?
Also, why must the scaly leg mites be removed? I understand they're disgusting and nasty, and perhaps uncomfortable to the bird, but can they get so bad that it causes the bird to weaken or fail to thrive?

Pics please

 

[Folly's place]

How small are they? A flashlight at night, a magnifying glass, or take an affected bird in for a look under the microscope.
Older birds get legs that look 'scaley', and it's normal. Be sure your birds have a parasite before treating them!
Mary

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Pics please

Duh. Sorry. Ok I will get some tomorrow. Everybody's in coop-bed right now, so can't do it now.

 

[Folly's place]

Yes, affected birds can have miserable painful itchy legs. Not nice! But still, be sure of what you're dealing with.
Mary

 

[casportpony]

I understand they're disgusting and nasty, and perhaps uncomfortable to the bird, but can they get so bad that it causes the bird to weaken or fail to thrive?

Severe cases can lead to necrosis of toes, infection, and maybe even death if the infection is bad enough.

 

[Redhead Rae]

How small are they? A flashlight at night, a magnifying glass, or take an affected bird in for a look under the microscope.
Older birds get legs that look 'scaley', and it's normal. Be sure your birds have a parasite before treating them!
Mary

The birds I've seen the raised scales on are around a year old. I haven't looked at everyone yet.