Looking for an opinion on scaly leg mite treatment options

[BaldwinCreekFarm]

I have about 35 laying hens, and one has got scaly leg mites bad. I've been treating with vasoline, and it just isn't doing the trick, looks like a couple others are starting to show signs too. I have been doing extensive reading on the Internet and it seems like there's a million different options. Vasoline and rubbing chicken legs on 35 birds is gonna be a time consuming task, and not very practical. I am looking to dip the birds and have found a couple products, and I am wondeirng if anyone has had any experience with them.

I am looking at either InsectrinX which contains permethrin, or Ectiban, which is also 10% Permethrin. I've also seen Poultry Protector Spray pop up a few times as well.

Any luck with any of these products ?

Chris

[Dondoyle26]

Have you tried olive oil ? Deeping the birds legs and feet is suppose to smother the mites out.. good luck.

[richbar]

It takes quite a while for this condition to correct itself after treatment. You need to realize that there is a lot of material built up under the scales that result in them lifting up. The vasiline works by smothering the mites. I'm sure they are dead, but it will take time for the legs to return to normal. Other options include oil that you can totally emerse the legs in (that would be the quickest method. Some people get upset when they are recommeded to use used motor oil but it does work. You can use mineral oil or even vegetable oil as an alternative. I would plan on doing the treatment a second time in 2 to 3 weeks, and then letting time do the healing. Good luck.

[Evy]

I found Bag Balm to work well. It's very healing as well as eliminating the mites.

[BaldwinCreekFarm]

Thanks for the input, I never thought about Olive Oil !

Evy I'm gonna try the Bag Balm on the one who has it the worst. Oddly enough I was checking on her tonight and her legs don't look as bad as they did a few days ago. Could be just my imagination, or could be the mud spa treatments her legs are getting with this rain of Biblical proportions.

[Evy]

Thanks for the input, I never thought about Olive Oil !

Evy I'm gonna try the Bag Balm on the one who has it the worst. Oddly enough I was checking on her tonight and her legs don't look as bad as they did a few days ago. Could be just my imagination, or could be the mud spa treatments her legs are getting with this rain of Biblical proportions.

Be nice if it was good for something!

[gregrag]

There are products available at Strombergs poultry and gamebird supplies that are very effective at ridding birds of scaly mites--takes a few repeated applications but I have always had good luck with it--get the oil that you paint on--it works better than the spray----Greg

[7961]

Cooking or motor oils always worked.