Scaley Leg mites
Scaley leg mites are extremely common and spread very easily once one bird in your flock catches them. They are however super easy to treat for if done regularly.
What are they?
Scaley leg mites are a small mite that burrow under a birds leg scales causing them to upturn. If left untreated the scales can build up and make the legs appear flakey with build ups of scales. If left for several yeas the build up can cause the bird to not be able to walk. Other than that scaley leg mites do not pose any direct risk to the birds life.
How do I Treat Scaley Leg Mite?
A three monthly treatment to prevent against scaley leg mite is sufficient if the birds do not show any signs other than slightly upturned scales. Ivermectin or Cydectin are both good medications to use or similar, dose as per the recommended amount on the medication.
If the bird shows more than upturned scales (pictured right) or worse then greater care is needed.
-Firstly treat with Ivermectin, Cydectin etc. If the medication is to be applied on the skin then drop several drops on the legs and feet as this will kill the scaley leg mites very quickly. Treatment for the actual mites is key and is often skipped when talked about.
- After the bird has been dosed apply Vaseline to the scales. For the first dose you want to completely smother the birds legs and feet as this will also help to kill off any mites and of course moisturize the skin. This will speed up the process.
- One week later reapply the Vaseline. If the bird only has certain spots of damage then its only needed to apply to these spots as all mites should be dead. Apply the Vaseline weekly till the birds legs look clean but raw. This means the old scales have been replaced by new scales and the scaley leg mites are now gone. Dose with your chosen medication once again and then repeat 3 monthly as stated above.
- If the bird has an extremely bad case and there are large clusters of scales then additional treatment is required. A week after the initial treatment but prior to the second application of Vaseline prepare a luke warm bath with anti-flea pet shampoo. Dip the birds legs into this and slowly rub around, gently seeing if any scales come off. This will also kill off any leftover mites. This can be done weekly prior to using the Vaseline to also speed up the treatment.
