Scaly Leg Mite in Chickens

Scaly leg is caused by an eight leg mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) that burrows under the scales of your chicken's legs and spends its entire life cycle of 1 to 2 weeks on the bird. The scaly leg mite is pale grey and has a flat round body and can be brought to your chickens by wild birds. The scaly leg mite burrows under the scales on the legs and feeds on connective tissue.

 

Symptoms include leg inflammation, swelling and lameness. If left untreated, the condition gets worse, as the scales get pushed away from the skin by the mites' excretions. In really bad cases chickens develop leg and joint problems and their toes could die and fall off.

Never try to lift or remove any affected scales as this is very painful for your chicken and unnecessary, as the damaged scales are replaced naturally during the chicken's annual moult and therefore will eventually regrow and look normal again.

Treatment

If your chicken has scaly leg, you must isolate the affected bird(s) as scaly leg is extremely contagious. Most vets will advise regular, gentle washing (baby shampoo and a soft babies toothbrush are good for this) of the legs to remove the surface layer and then an application of a suitable treatment to allow the leg to heal.

A commonly used treatment is to rub a petroleum jelly like Vaseline onto the legs, which softens the legs and makes them less painful, in addition the Vaseline will also suffocate and kill the scaly leg mites. It is a good idea to do this at night so that dust and mud doesn't get stuck to the Vaseline as the chickens scratch around. You will however have to do this every night for 3 weeks. You can also use a solution of surgical spirits once a week for 4 weeks, to ensure that the mites are killed. Some vets will also prescribe Ivermectin drops applied on the skin behind the neck and on the body to kill the scaly leg mites. Never be tempted to use creosote or diesel for scaly legs, both of which are old remedies, as these could kill the birds.

As with all mite infections, you must also clean out and disinfect your chicken coop. Check for any damp patches caused by a leaking roof or similar and fix immediately as scaly leg mites love damp conditions. Chickens with feathered feet are particularly prone to scaly leg, so remember to check their legs regularly.