Weird crust on chicken legs

[FlockmomSam22]

I need help identifying this weird crust that's on two bantams of mine. It's on one leg of my bantam rooster and both legs on his hen. The rooster has it worse. I just got these two from a sibling of a friend and they are in their own coop currently.

 

[Kiki]

Scaly leg mites.
See how the scales are raised?

 

[FlockmomSam22]

Would scaly leg mites cause the yellow/clear liquid, it's not puss,that comes out from around the scales which turns like a flakey- crusty when it dries? I have never seen that before.

 

[coach723]

Yes, the mites are microscopic, they feed on the tissue and leave the crusty stuff in their wake. The longer it goes on, the more damage will be done. The crusty stuff will build up and can sometimes cause loss of circulation when allowed to build up. Soak the legs and feet in warm epsom salts or warm mildy soapy water. Use a soft toothbrush to gently remove as much of the crud as you can without damaging the tissue underneath. Apply vegetable oil (I like castor oil as it's very thick) and work it under the raised scales with the same soft toothbrush. Then apply vaseline to cover all, that will suffocate the mites. Some people also use nu-stock ointment or A&D ointment. You will need to reapply several times a week until the scales start to look normal.
More on scaly leg mites here:
https://the-chicken-chick.com/scaly-leg-mites-in-chickens/

 

[arazla]

Would you happen to know what type of A&D ointment for legs works best? I bought some but just realized it's A&D first aid. That's all the local Walgreens had.

 

[coach723]

That should work, it's a little more than half petrolatum (vaseline).

 

[chrisabney]

Wont they still be in the environment ready to re-infect your chickens once you're done with the treatments?