The Poultry Keeper

Diane7 · Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 11 Location: North East England

Couldn't find an existing post about this, so sorry if I'm repeating a question...

My cockerel has a bad case of scaly leg mite. I took him to the vets 3 days ago and his was given ivermectin "spot-on" together with some Fucidin cream (antibiotic steroid) for me to apply to the sore/infected areas around his ankles twice a day.

I've separated him from his 7 hens as they were exacerbating this situation and pecking at his bleeding legs!!! Also, I don't want them getting infected to. I have bathed his legs to soften the scales and wondered what anyone thought about applying benzyl benzoate/vaseline or any other treatments in addition to what he has already had.

The hens aren't obviously affected - would you recommend I treat them anyway and with what?

Thanks

CP · Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2008 12:10 am Post subject:

Vaseline is a remedy usually recommended for scaley leg, as it helps suffocate the mites.

Wouldn't hurt to do the hens legs with vaseline either. Wink

Diane · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 271 Location: Dorset

I've used benzyl benzoate in the past with good results.

crazywelshchuck · Joined: 24 May 2008 Posts: 95

Hi
I've used vaseline and surgical spirit dabbed on cotton wool and held on the legs for 5 mins a day for 7 days all the scaly bits fell off. I also buy little bottles of iodine from my local chemist for about 80p and dilute it 10% iodine to 90% water excellent for cleaning wounds, I mix it in a spray bottle.
Get a few funny looks in work though as they must think i'm a secret heavy smoker as turns your hand yellow!!! Rolling Eyes

Attila The Hen · Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 419 Location: Shetland

Ivomectin is the business - the vaseline and surgical spirit treatments may work, but are a complete frap to do daily, particularly if the hen(s) in question aren't easy to handle. And it's time consuming if there's more than one bird to treat.

Ivomection then - does for the scaly leg mites, and also good for red mite / northern fowl mite - in conjunction with a spray of the hen house to get their eggs and any nymphs and resting adults. Bear in mind you shouldn't eat eggs from treated birds. Accepted wisdom is to withdraw them for a week following treatment, but I go for a fortnight (being sensitive to the possibilities of litigation...).

Vets generally won't let you buy Spot-On etc for chickens to self treat. Find someone who keeps sheep and ask them nicely for some. (that's the owner, not the flock!!)

Attila

Squidge · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 187 Location: Folkestone, Kent

Did you know that you can buy spot on over the counter now...thank goodness.