Worming and Scale Mites

[vivchick2018]

DE doesn't work in wet environments, like the intestines.. please don't waste your money, time, or energy trying that worthless, over rated, false sense of security!

Getting a fecal float to make sure you treat for the correct worm species... if you need to is the best idea since not all medications treat all species. Only large round worms and tape worms will be seen in dropping under heavy load. All other species stay in the intestines and only their microscopic oocysts (eggs). I do a "flock" float... meaning several fresh samples combined into one... cost at my vet is $25. I also bought my own microscope so I can learn how to read my own. I WON'T treat what I don't have while maybe not treating what I do if using the wrong medication... it's a waste of my time, money, and effort.

Dry scales do not equal scaly leg mite. It looks more like toenail growth coming out from under the scale.. but if you think you've got them, they can be treated with a thick coating of vaseline or Crisco shortening... this will suffocate them, though I am unsure of how many days in a row you need to repeat for efficacy.

If you spend any time chasing your birds... save yourself some energy and do things after they have gone to roost... using a flashlight and keeping things dim. This is often the easiest way.

Alternatively.. Ivermectin pour on will treat scaly leg mite, some worm species, and even lice or regular mites. I would only choose that route if it was going to treat the worm species I wanted treated also... otherwise for general parasite control a permethrin based horse fly spray is effective, efficient, affordable, safe, requires no withdrawal for eggs... the spray is not considered effective on SLM though as they are under the skin and may not surface.

Post a pic of legs if you want. Feathered feet/legs... always appear slightly worse to me.

What is your regular feed? How much is a ton... in bags per week/month? What breed are they?

The keel bone is pretty pronounced in my experience... have you actually weighed them or visually they just look thinner or that's what you are noticing in comparison to how they have always been? You say they are laying now and you are a 6 month owner... does that mean they are 6 months old or just that's how long you have had them? Sorry so many questions... just looking for clues.

One more note about DE... it is approved for use in animal feeds at a rate of up to 2% as an anti-caking agent. Many feeds already have it and NONE claim it works for worming. I'm ALL for natural IF IT'S EFFECTIVE.

Good job paying attention and looking out for your ladies!

Good luck with diagnosis and treatment.

very good information