Scaly Leg Mites

[Sue]

Can anyone recommend a treatment for scaly leg mites please? I'm not sure, but one of my hens has a very small raised area around one of the feathers on her legs (French blue maran). I want to treat her just in case and the others as well. I know there is a 'scaly leg' spray, but just wondered whether this would work, or whether there is a better method.

 

[Marigold]

i've always used the scaley leg spray as a preventative measure every few months, as directed, and have never had any mites. But maybe I've just been lucky. The oldfashioned (and painful) treatment is surgical spirit, but it stings like hell for the bird, followed by petroleum jelly on the legs, but there's no reason to suppose the spray won't clear it up and I'd think this was the best way to go at least for a start.

 

[Lordcluck]

Frontline spray, as used for Dogs and cats works well. Harkermectin spot on treatments may be effective as well.
A painless and chemical free treatment is to coat the bird's legs in Vaseline, which suffocates the Mite. Another messy but useful cure is Benzyl benzoate ointment as used for horses with sweet itch.

 

[E3lx]

Surgical spirit. I have used this, and it can be purchased cheap at tesco, asda, sainsburys etc...
vaseline, blocks the air off, mites cant breathe

 

[chrismahon]

Benzol Benzoate is the correct treatment and cheap too. Our vet charged £1.50 for a 500ml bottle of it so it will last for years. Dilute some 50:50 with water into a tray and brush it up the leg scales with a small touch up brush. Two person job is best. Flex the foot to lift the scales and keep brushing until you are sure it has penetrated. Sorts it out in one treatment but we usually apply again a week later just in case.

 

[victorias poultry]

Liquid Parafin is also very good for treating leg mites, can also be used if your bird gets it on the face or ears.

 

[karminski]

does liquid parafin have a life span i have quite a large tub left over from the horses from a few years ago and havent ever chucked it out would it still be of any use ??