Worried about my chickens legs

[faz669]

I have noticed my polish breed chickens leg looking thicker than it did, I have two one has legs that seem normal like always, but the other ones legs seem to have got bigger and crusty like. I have attached some photos, does anybody know what this is and if I should be alarmed?

They are both eating, drinking, laying and running around like normal.

 

[PennelopeSpeaks]

Hi! Could be scaly leg mites, as it cause the scales of the leg to rise. Chickens legs do get thicker as they age, so that could be a factor as well, how old are they and how long have you noticed this?

 

[CombNWattles]

I agree, definitely scaly leg mites.

 

[faz669]

Hi
Thanks for your replies, they are about a year old. I have noticed this around 2-3 weeks ago.
How confident are you from the photos they are scaly leg mites please? Just want to make sure its not normal growth before I apply come coconut oil to them, they do seem to be very energetic and hyper so just want to be as certain as possible.

Thanks again guys.

 

[PennelopeSpeaks]

I'm not 100% confident because I obviously have not seen your bird, but based on the pictures you posted it seems likely. Coconut oil isn't going to harm them if they don't have scaley leg mites, but can help if they do so I think it would be a good idea to apply some

 

[nuthatched]

Rub down with nustock, mineral oil, coconut oil etc, everyday. Really work it initially will take a month or two to heal.

 

[faz669]

Great, thanks alot guys I will give them their first coat tonight. What confuses me is that our other three chickens legs are fine, its just the 2 younger polish breeds we brought that have this kind of leg. Just wanted to make sure its not a case of them just having different legs to my other breed of chickens as they grow

 

[Eggcessive]

They may not be dust bathing as often as they should. Nustock cream has sulfur which will lill the mites on contact. Vicks salve is recommended by the American poultry association and they say the menthol kills the mites. Castor oil is said to be less greasy and longer lasting. Whatever ointment or cream you use, apply it often at least for several weeks until new scales begin to grow in.