Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Goldie]

One of my hens has had funny feet since we got her 18 months ago. We used to laugh at Speckledy for her 'hairy legs', as she always had a few feathers the others didn't have. Anyway, I've since read this can be a precursor for scaly leg mite, which I believe she now might have.

 

Once in a while (maybe 1 day every 3 weeks) I will spot some fresh blood on her left foot. Never more than a speck, and I've always put it down to where a feather has broken off or fallen out. But about 10 days ago I noticed the scales were raised on her left leg only.

 

Long story short, and thanks to a supplier sending me the wrong item..I have only just this week treated her with Nettex scaly leg spray, started on Thursday so I'm going to do it every 5 days until she looks better. But the blood is confusing and I didn't think that was a symptom?

 

Is there something more untoward happening here? Is it strange only 1 leg should be affected with scaly leg mite? I have quite a good eye, and haven't seen any mites (apparently I should be able to see them in the early stages).

She also stands holding this left leg up, and hasn't perched for a few weeks (although since Thursday's treatment she has perched 1 night ).

 

Is this classic Scaly leg or does the blood, one foot and no other hens affected mean it is something else?

P.s. apologies for the poor picture!

[Ain't Nobody Here]

When mine have had scaly leg and I haven't noticed for a while then I'm pretty sure I've seen little specks of blood. Not sure about the one foot being affected, that does seem odd but maybe it's just luck it's only one! I've had a lone hen with it before so it doesn't follow that they'll all have it at the same time.

 

I'd keep treating it as you are, if I were you!

[The Dogmother]

For some reason I can't view the picture on this PC, but some speckledys will have slightly feathered legs; it's part of their breed-mix. Occasionally one of them will snap off and if it breaks close to the skin, then it can bleed.

 

Scaly leg mite damage is quite distinctive; the scales are lifted and often have a pearly/pale sheen, there will be a crusting under the scales, and the bird may be mithering their legs as they itch a lot. Photos Here

 

A vet will recommend spraying with an anti-mite spray containing Permethrin; this isn't licensed for use on poultry in the UK. They will need to be sprayed twice, a week apart, aiming the spray up under the scales. The mites will die, but the scales will still look manky, improving slightly when the bird next moults.

[Goldie]

Hi all - thanks for the replies. They have now had 2 treatments of the Nettex spray (which I'm not sure contains Permethrin, will it be effective enough??).

It says to keep spraying at 5-6 day intervals until the problem is resolved, but how will I know if it can take up to 12 months for the scales to look better? Should they go back flat rather than raised?

How well do I need to treat the housing, now their legs are treated...just the perches & a bit of poultry shield spray, or the full works?

Thanks

[The Dogmother]

The leg scales will gradually moult through and look better, but never perfect again. The exude under the scales will go though as the mites die off, it helps if you can gently apply the spray to the legs, upwards to try getting it under the scales.