Scaly Leg Mites: Common Chicken Flock Parasite Can Cause Serious Damage
Chicken keepers beware: scaly leg mites, common in backyard flocks, can cause serious discomfort and damage to your feathered friends. These microscopic creatures, not harmful to humans, can lead to lameness and deformed feet if left untreated.
The first indication of an infestation is the lifting of a chicken's scales on its legs and feet. Other signs include crusting, hardening, itching, and damaged leg feathers. The mites, highly contagious, spread through close contact between birds.
Prevention involves maintaining a clean, dry environment and good flock management. Quarantine new birds to prevent the mites from spreading. Disinfecting perches is also crucial. Treatment includes smothering the mites with petroleum jelly, Shea butter, coconut oil, or paraffin oil, or using chemical dewormers like Ivermectin.
Scaly leg mites are a common issue in chicken flocks, but with good management and prompt treatment, they can be controlled. Keep an eye out for the signs, maintain a clean environment, and act quickly if an infestation is suspected. Your chickens will thank you for it.
