What scaly leg mites are
Scaly leg is caused by a tiny mite, Knemidocoptes mutans, which burrows into the skin beneath the scales of the legs and the tops of the feet. Over time the scales become raised and crusty. It is usually described as slow to develop and often noticed only after it has been present for a while. Scaly leg is one of several skin parasites that affect backyard flocks; for others, see itchy chickens: mites, lice and fleas.
Signs of scaly leg
Healthy leg scales are smooth and flat. With scaly leg mites you may see:
- scales that are lifted, rough or uneven
- crusty, whitish or gray deposits on the legs and feet
- thickened, lumpy skin
- in advanced cases, swelling, lameness, difficulty perching and loss of condition
Mites are very small, so you will usually recognize scaly leg from how the legs look rather than from seeing the mites.
How chickens get scaly leg mites
Scaly leg mites spread mainly by contact between birds, and are commonly brought into a flock when new birds are added. They may also be carried by wild birds or in the environment. Older birds and breeds with feathered legs are often described as more vulnerable, though any chicken can be affected.
Is it something else?
A few things can be confused with scaly leg:
- Normal leg scale texture and some roughness with age
- Dry or damaged skin, or injuries
- Other skin problems, including infections
- Foot pad swelling from bumblefoot, which affects the underside; see swollen chicken foot
Red legs on a rooster are not necessarily scaly leg. Leg color can vary with breed, age, mating activity, irritation or injury. If the scales are raised and crusty, mites are more likely; if the leg is red, hot or swollen, or the bird seems unwell, ask a vet.
Treatment overview
Treatment tends to be slow, and you generally need to be patient. Many keepers and poultry sources describe these steps:
- Check every bird. Mites spread, so look at the whole flock, not just the visibly affected bird.
- Soak and gently clean. Warm, soapy water can loosen dirt and crust. Do not scrape or pick off scabs forcefully, as that can hurt the bird and open the skin.
- Dry the legs.
- Smother the mites. Coat the legs and feet with an oil or petroleum jelly. The idea is to block the mites’ airways. Repeat as directed by the product or advice you are following, for several weeks.
- Continue for long enough. One source suggests at least three weeks, so eggs that hatch after the first treatment are also reached, and notes that legs may take much longer to look normal again.
- Treat the coop. See below.
Avoid harsh chemicals, kerosene or other home remedies that may burn the skin. If you are not sure about a product, ask a vet.
Medicated treatments and your vet
Some countries have veterinary products that are licensed for mites in poultry, and some are used off-label. Which products are available, how they are given, and the rules on eggs and meat from treated birds differ by country and product. For example, a product might carry no egg withdrawal in one country and a withholding period in another. Never guess doses. Ask a vet who treats poultry, and read the label for egg and meat withdrawal times before using any medication in laying hens.
Clean the coop and roosts
Scaly leg mites can live in the environment, so cleaning supports the treatment.
- Remove old bedding and replace it with fresh litter.
- Scrub and clean roosts and nest boxes, paying attention to cracks.
- Use a poultry-safe product on the housing according to the label.
- Keep the coop dry.
How long does recovery take?
Plan for weeks of treatment. The crusts may gradually lift as new scales grow, and legs may not look normal for months. Damaged scales do not repair overnight even once mites are gone.
Are scaly leg mites contagious to humans?
Scaly leg mites are generally described as specific to birds and are not known to live on people. Even so, wear gloves for hygiene and wash your hands after handling birds; some other poultry mites can bite people temporarily. If you develop an itchy rash, see a doctor.
Prevention
- Quarantine new birds, and inspect their legs before they join the flock
- Keep rodents and wild birds away from the coop and run
- Keep the coop clean and dry
- Clean and disinfect any natural branches before using them as perches
- Check legs regularly, especially on older birds and feather-legged breeds
- Provide a dust-bathing area
When to see a vet
- Legs are swollen, bleeding or oozing
- The bird is lame or having trouble perching
- You see toe damage or signs of infection
- No improvement after several weeks of treatment
- You want to use a medicated product, especially in laying hens
FAQ
How do I get rid of scaly legs on chickens?
Treat all the birds, smother the mites with an oil or petroleum jelly according to reliable guidance, clean the coop and keep treating for several weeks. Your vet can advise on medication.
What is the best spray for scaly leg mites?
There isn’t one best option for everyone. Products vary by country, and some are meant for housing, not the bird. Check the label for use on poultry and egg withdrawal, or ask a vet.
Can I use cooking oil?
Oils are commonly used to smother mites, but they can be messy and need repeating. Keep them off the feathers where possible and watch for skin irritation.