Got Scale Mites on My Chickens - Need Help!

Health & Disease Management
1

I’ve recently discovered that my chickens might have scale mites, and I’m feeling quite overwhelmed. They have some crusty, scaly patches on their legs, and I’ve read that these little pests can be really irritating and harmful to my flock’s health.

I want to make sure I tackle this problem effectively, but I’m not sure where to start. I’ve gathered some information, but it’s been a bit scattered, so I thought it might be helpful to put it out there and see if anyone has advice or personal experiences to share.

Identification

First off, how can I be sure it’s scale mites? I’ve heard that the symptoms include:

  • Bumpy, scaly legs - My chickens have some raised areas on their legs that look pretty rough.
  • Lifting scales - I can see some of the scales are starting to lift.
  • Behavioral changes - They’ve been scratching a bit more than usual, which worries me.

If anyone has tips on confirming whether these are indeed scale mites over something else, that would be greatly appreciated!

Treatment Options

I’ve come across several methods to treat scale mites, but I’m looking for recommendations based on real-life experiences. I found the following treatments:

  • Topical insecticides - I read that products containing natural oils or permethrin could help.
  • Vaseline application - Some folks suggest smothering the mites with Vaseline, but does this really work?
  • Diatomaceous earth - I’ve heard this is also good, but how effective is it specifically for mites?

Prevention

I’m also curious about ways to prevent scale mites from getting into my flock again once I resolve this issue. What should I do to keep them at bay? Should I change bedding more frequently or perhaps isolate new birds before introducing them to the flock?

Now I’m hoping to gather some practical advice on both treatment and prevention strategies from others who have faced a similar issue. Thanks in advance for any guidance you can provide!

2

I noticed my chickens scratching a lot, and their skin looked rough. Those could be signs of scale mites! Look for white to grayish patches on their feet.

3

Exactly! If you see any thickened or scaly areas on their legs or around the vents, that’s a red flag for scale mites.

4

I had a bad infestation a while back. They were so irritated, and I could see tiny white specks near their claws. It was terrible!

5

Oh no! I hope you got it under control. I’ve heard that the skin can become dark and scaly if left untreated.

6

Be sure to check between the toes and under the scales. If there’s crustiness or swelling, it’s potentially scale mites. Regular inspections can help catch it early.

7

Great tip! I usually miss that area when I look. My chickens are more cooperative when they’re treats involved!

8

How often do you all check your chickens for these issues? I’m curious if it’s a weekly or monthly thing.

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I try to do it weekly! Prevention is key—if you spot them early, treatment is usually easier.

10

That sounds smart! I think I’ll adopt a more regular inspection schedule myself.

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11

Is there a specific time of year when scale mites are most active? Maybe it’s wise to be extra vigilant during those months.

12

From what I’ve read, they can be a year-round issue but peak in warmer weather. Just keep an eye on their behaviors!

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13

That’s helpful info! Any suggestions for treatments that work well?

14

Diatomaceous earth can be effective, but make sure to use food grade! Also, a good mite treatment spray can help, just read the labels.

15

They do say that treatment can take a bit of time. Patience is key! Have any of you had issues with recommending products?

16

Sometimes it feels like a guessing game! My friend had a bad experience with one product. Always better to ask around first!

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17

I’ve dealt with scale mites before! Diatomaceous earth worked wonders for me. Just dust it on their feathers and in the coop.

18

That’s great to hear! I was also thinking about trying some essential oils. Has anyone had success with those?

19

Absolutely! I use a mixture of lavender and tea tree oil. Just be careful with the dosage, it’s potent stuff!

20

While essential oils can help, I would recommend looking into a commercial mite spray specifically designed for poultry as well. They can be very effective.