Chicken Health | SCALY LEGS
Do My Chickens Have Scaly Leg Mite?
Scaly legs on chickens are caused by a parasitic mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) that burrow under the scales on the chicken's legs.
Usually found in older birds and where birds are infested with red mite. The damaged tissue weeps, which is what these mites feed on.
Where Do They Come From?
This tiny mite lives in the ground or sometimes the floor of the chicken coop usually in damp conditions. It then burrows under the scales of the bird's legs or feet, where it causes great discomfort. It may also infest other areas such as the comb or wattles of chickens. Scaly leg mites are spread between birds by direct contact with infected flock members. They are initially introduced into the flock through wild birds, rodents, or by already being present within the soil and surrounding environment. However, the most common way to introduce it to your flock is to take on additional birds from someone else’s backyard and introduce these individuals directly into your flock.
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Symptoms
- Raised scales on the legs
- Crusty legs
- Lameness (severe cases)
- Can also be found on the comb and wattles
- In the early stages of the infection the chicken will have mild irritation. It takes several months of infection before the scales on the legs start to lift.
Prevention
When introducing new birds to your flock we highly recommend treating and quarantining all new stock. Bringing in chickens from other flocks (especially older birds) is usually the way scaly leg mite is introduced to a flock. It is best to avoid it if you can!
Treatment
The best treatment is a three-pronged approach to ensure all bases are covered: Suffocate, Drench and Disinfect.
Scaly mite can be treated by using Scaly Leg Spray (natural) that will soothe and kill the mites. You should treat all your birds even if only one bird is showing scaly legs, as scaly leg mite is very contagious, and it is highly likely that all your birds will have the mite.
Another effective way to treat is using our Pour on Drench. Having treated the birds you should also look at their hen house and run. We recommend disinfecting the house thoroughly with a purpose-made poultry disinfectant like Appletons Poultry Safeguard.
We also recommend using a mite powder such as Appletons De-Mite Powder to sprinkle on their perch and in their coop.
How Do I Treat My Chickens for Scaly Leg Mites?
Spray Legs
Poultry Leg Spray is very effective treatment for poulty leg mites. This treatment is 100% organic and best used at room temperature. Store inside and only use when contents is warm so it flows well! Repeat applications required and NO egg witholding period. We highly recommend this product.
Drench Your Hens
Pour on Drench is considered an off label treatment as not officially approved for poultry. Apply liquid directly to the skin of the bird. Recommended 14 day egg witholding period. Easy to use on poultry as deals to lice, scaly leg mites and anything else living on your hen. Also treats most internal parasites.
Disinfect Housing
Poultry Safeguard is a powerful disinfectant and coop cleaner kills all bacteria, viruses and odours plus kills mites on contact. Mix with water in a pressure sprayer and apply to all surfaces in hen house. Best used hand in hand with
Treat Newbies!
When introducing new birds to your flock we highly recommend treating and quarantining all new stock.
Bringing in chickens from other flocks (especially older birds) is usually the way scaly leg mite is introduced to a flock.
It is best to avoid it if you can!
Read more