Rotherhamgirl Posted September 4, 2017 Share Posted September 4, 2017 Our Aracauna has developed bald patches behind her ears, and I'm wondering why/if I need to do anything about it. She's not molting and is healthy and perky otherwise, apart from having scaly leg mite, which we're treating with scaly leg mite spray. Any help would be appreciated. By the way, has anyone else found that the scaly leg mite spray actually works? I'm loath to have her treated by the vet as I know there would be an egg withdrawal period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Have you checked her elsewhere for mites and lice? It sounds as if scaly leg mites are not all she has. If you take her to a chicken-savvy vet, they will probably recommend a spot-on containing Ivermectin** for use quarterly on all your flock, this is a preventative similar to those used on cats and dogs for fleas. This will work on all mites and lice including those on her legs. My farm practice prescribes Ivomec Eprinex, which is a cattle pour-on! Depending on which scaly leg spray you are using, most of them are effective; I recommend applying it with a child's soft toothbrush and brushing the liquid up under the leg scales, then applying a layer of Sudocrem (the Benzyl Benzoate in this will also help to kill off mites, and the cream will soothe any itches). There will be no instant change in the appearance of her legs, but you will see that the crusts under the leg scales will go. Please do not pick at or try to remove any scales - they will come away with her next moult, and her legs will improve, but never look quite perfect again. The trick is to keep up a regular preventative regime to stop this occurring again. ** Not licensed for use on poultry in the UK< but prescribed under the cascade system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotherhamgirl Posted September 5, 2017 Author Share Posted September 5, 2017 Thanks so much for the advice! I have checked her and not found any other creepy crawlies, but will do so again. Using a toothbrush will be fun, as she's not keen on being held. Ivermectin has an egg withdrawal period, doesn't it? Using it quarterly would mean throwing away an awful lot of eggs every year!! We do have a very good avian vet, so a visit might be in order... We've been treating the other hens with the scaly leg mite spray as well (we only have 4 at the moment) just in case, as I assume it won't do any harm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted September 5, 2017 Share Posted September 5, 2017 Technically Ivermectin has an egg withdrawal period, although as my vet points out - it is used on humans, so any small amounts which might get through to the egg won't harm us. That's not my advice, just his opinion... make your own choice. I would check all birds carefully and treat as you find. Using a spot on will control all mites and lice and also help with red mites in the housing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rotherhamgirl Posted September 6, 2017 Author Share Posted September 6, 2017 Thanks!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandmashazzie Posted September 6, 2017 Share Posted September 6, 2017 Oh that's interesting re vets opinion. I hate throwing away eggs and usually give them to dogs. I suppose girlies could have them back scrambled or would they get too much medicines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
