Chicken bald back

[bokbok87]

Hi,

I think my hens may have early stages of scaly leg but I really can't tell. When I look online I only see severe cases.

In Nov of last year I mentioned that one of the middle toes looked like it had a bubble and got infected but it didn't seem to bother our bluebelle and we hoped it would go away.

Unfortunately she still has it and I don't think the scales look as smooth as last year. I don't think she has got rid of those old scales still. It can time a long time to get new ones though.

 

I attempt to treat all girls with a Nettex spray but it might as well be the devil to them

Only one hen seems to enjoy the pampering!

They had a foot spa treatment with nice warm water and a bit of soap and the spray and I think most ended up on me!

 

What is the best way to check?

Apart from the awful spray have you got any tips on treating it?

 

My OH thinks I am over reacting (well they are my girls......)

 

 

 

 

[Beantree]

Those feet look OK to me Bokbok. Scaley leg mite lift the scales and leave a crusty deposit underneath. In a bad case the scales fall away leaving just the crusty deposit.

 

Soaking the feet for a few minutes in olive oil works well as it suffocates the mites and that is now our preferred method. Benzol Benzoate is the vet prescribed method, which we have found to need repeated treatment (used to treat scabies in humans).

[The Dogmother]

Those birds are fine

 

The Nettex spray can be used as a preventative too, and is best applied using a soft toothbrush, and brushing it up under the scales.

 

If you use a spot-on preventative prescribed by your vet (not licensed for poultry in the UK) then this will also prevent scaly leg mites.