[RachelD]

Please can anyone help?  While one of my pet chickens was in the garden, I noticed that she was having trouble walking and she was sitting down quite a lot.  On close inspection, the scales around her ankles are very dry and scabby.  She is still eating and her eyes are clear.  I took her to our vet tonight but they were unable to treat her as they do not specialise in chickens.  They recommended a livestock vet who could not provide help regarding chickens.  Does anyone know what she could be suffering from, are there any cures, and if there are any experts nearby that can help?  I live in Epping, Essex.  I deperately want her to get better but I seem to have drawn a complete blank so far.  Your help would be much appreciated!  Rachel

[chickenlady]

Hello! if the scales are raised and scabby it sounds like it could be scaley leg but without other info its difficult to diagnose!
short term solution would be smother her legs in vaseline which will stop the mites breathing but you will need to blitz the coop too as they can drop off and live in the litter for i think up to 30 days!? try and get hold of some scaley leg mite spray from a larger pet supplies store or on line! but check her comb is nice and red! her poops look normal! and that you give her a thorough check over to make sure its not something else causing her discomfort!

Debbie

[joyfull]

Hi RachelD
Have a look at this link - if you scroll down you will come to scaly leg - see if that matches yours.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=5250.0


joyfullxx

[poultrygeist]

Hi rachel. Welcome to the forum

DO teh scales look raised slightly ?

If so it could be scaly leg mite which is quite straightforward to treat if caught early.

Have a read of this http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=5250.0 for soem advice.

Rob 

[RachelD]

Thanks for your speedy answers.  I think it could be scaly leg - I'll try the vaseline technique tomorrow.  Hope it works!  Rachel