How to Treat Leg Mites in Chickens? Need Help!

Health & Disease Management
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Seeking Help for Leg Mites in Chickens

I’ve recently discovered that my chickens are dealing with scaly leg mites, and I’m at my wit’s end trying to find the best treatment options. I’ve read quite a bit about this issue, but I’m looking for additional advice from those who have successfully treated their birds. Here’s a rundown of what I know and some questions I have:

What are Scaly Leg Mites?

Scaly leg mites (Knemidokoptes gallinae) are tiny creatures that burrow under the skin of a chicken’s legs and feet, causing scaling, crustiness, and sometimes discomfort that can lead to more severe health issues.

Symptoms to Watch For:

  • Thickened, scaly skin on legs
  • Crusty or flaky areas
  • Swelling or irritation
  • Lethargy or changes in behavior

Treatment Options:

From my research, I’ve come across both chemical and natural treatments. Here are some of the methods I’ve been considering:

  • Chemical Treatments: Some recommend using ivermectin or permethrin sprays. These are effective but I’m also worried about the safety for my chickens.
  • Natural Remedies: I’ve seen suggestions about using vegetable oil or olive oil to suffocate the mites. I’m intrigued by the idea of going natural, but I’d love to hear thoughts on its effectiveness.

Questions I Have:

  1. What treatments have worked for you? Any specific brands or methods you recommend?
  2. How do I apply these treatments? I want to make sure I’m doing it right to not cause any harm.
  3. What preventative measures can I take? Once I get this under control, I’d like to keep it from happening again.

I appreciate any insights or advice you can provide! Thanks in advance for your help and expertise. Let’s keep our chickens healthy together!

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Has anyone noticed their chickens scratching more than usual? That’s often a sign of leg mites. Look for red, irritated skin and lifted scales on their legs.

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I’ve seen my hens scratching a lot lately! They do have some redness around their legs. Could that be mites?

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Definitely! If you see redness and those scales lifting, it’s likely leg mites. Have you tried any treatments yet?

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I’ve been using DE (Diatomaceous Earth) and it’s seem to help, but I’m not sure if it’s enough. Any more suggestions?

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You could try an ivermectin treatment as well; that can be quite effective against mites.

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I really hope it’s not mites! They can be such a pain to deal with. Let’s hope your hens just have dry skin instead.

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What are some other symptoms to look for? I don’t want to miss anything critical.

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Pay attention to how much they scratch. If they’re also losing feathers around their legs, that’s often a bad sign.

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Scales lifting is a big indicator too. And if you see any crustiness around the legs, that’s not good news!

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A friend of mine just dealt with this and said it was a nightmare! They went through so many treatments before finding something that worked.

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That sounds rough! How long did it take for the treatments to show results?

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It took them a few weeks, but they finally found a mix that worked well. Sometimes it just takes some trial and error.

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Have you guys tried using oil? Some say it suffocates the mites; people have mixed experiences with it.

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Oil? I might just end up frying my chickens! But hey, it could work! :joy:

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Haha! Just remember, if you’re going to use oil, pick the right kind—like coconut oil is a popular choice!

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I think natural remedies can be great! I’ve had success with diatomaceous earth. Just dust it on their legs and in their bedding to help control leg mites.

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That’s interesting! I’ve heard essential oils like tea tree or lavender can also help. Has anyone tried that?

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I’ve used ivermectin before; it’s really effective if you want to go the chemical route. Just make sure to follow the dosage instructions carefully!

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Is ivermectin safe for all ages of chickens? I want to avoid any harm to my chicks.