What kind of mites?

[Amelise]

I’ve been away at college and my parents have been caring for my chickens. I think they’ve been doing a pretty good job so far, but I’ve come back home and checked their health and two out of the four have lots of little black bugs on their feet and legs. I’ve checked under their wings and around vents but no mites to be found there. I’m not sure what kind of bug they are.


The one that is least affected has no bugs, perfect scales and is at the top of the pecking order. The other three have damaged scales in some places from picking but no open wounds. Two of those three have lots of the little black, shiny bugs. I’m not sure that it’s scaley leg mites because these bugs are pretty big and there’s no raised scales except for on the bottom of one’s feet. But I’m also not sure if they aren’t just bugs they’ve picked up from walking in wet grass.

I’ve washed all their feet and shanks in the tub so far with soap. Any other treatment option, if these are parasites?

 

[Amelise]

They seem to be completely gone after soaking their legs

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm not sure what those are.
They don't look like Mites, mites have 8 legs.

Perhaps some type of flea?

It's good that they came off with soaking. I'd check to see if they are back tomorrow. If they are, then use a Permethrin based spray to treat housing and birds.

 

[Amelise]

I'm not sure what those are.
They don't look like Mites, mites have 8 legs.

Perhaps some type of flea?

It's good that they came off with soaking. I'd check to see if they are back tomorrow. If they are, then use a Permethrin based spray to treat housing and birds.

Will do. Thanks for the help!