Scaly Leg Mites

Scaly Leg Mites are nasty little parasites that burrow under the scales of the legs of chickens.  You’ll know your chicken has scaly leg mites if the scales on the shanks of their legs are raised and don’t look smooth and slick.  The birds’ legs will look like they are covered with a whitish skunge that may appear quite thick.  Scaly leg mites can cause real problems if left untreated – not to mention how terribly uncomfortable it is. 

Which, brings us to a quick treatment plan: dip shanks in paraffin, kerosene or motor oil (any weight will do) twice daily for three consecutive days.  On the third day, wash the shanks with very soapy, warm water. Carefully remove what you can from under the scales by swooshing the shanks under water or directly under the running faucet.  Rinse and dry well, then apply Vaseline to cover and sooth. 

You should separate the affected birds until the problem clears up and do a thorough scrubbing of the coop, its accessories and surrounding areas.  Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth will assist with this cleaning.  Use the Pest Pistol to administer the Diatomaceous Earth in a manner that reduces waste and really gets into the cracks, crevaces and hard to reach locations in the coop.