Scaly leg mite

[gunn]

Hi I have three chickens I am treating for scaly leg mite. I also have pekin bantams. With all the feathers on their legs I can't see if they have it or not so just wondering if they can get it or not and is the only treatment for them ivermectin as I can't rub oil etc on their legs. Thanks.

[Marina]

Yes, birds with feathered legs can get scaly leg mite. You can usually see the raised scales between the feathers and the rough appearance of the legs and toes.

I have used petroleum jelly or any other sticky cream to treat birds with feathered legs. Ivermectin is not very effective for the treatment of scaly leg mite as there is little blood circulating which brings the medication to the mites. You can also try to use pyrethrum based dog flea powder (from the Warehouse) or dipping them into DE (Diatomaceous Earth - the real stuff, not Smite which is ineffective).

[gunn]

Thank you.