It then burrows under the scales of the bird's legs or feet, where it causes great discomfort. I didn’t know about scaly leg mite back then, and if I did, I would have been on to it straight away. Scaly Leg Mite is caused by a burrowing mite (Knemidocoptes mutans) which causes scaly, raised encrusted scales on the legs of chickens and other poultry.. Scaly leg can cause intense irritation to the bird by burrowing under the scales, causing them to become raised … Here are some symptoms and treatment options for scaly leg. Scaly face infections symptoms are displayed near the beak, mouth, nostrils and eyes. Leg mite infections affect the legs and toes. Symptoms and Types . Infected budgies lose feathers in the affected area, a condition which resembles mange . Leg mite infections affect the legs and toes. In parrots, it is usually only a problem for budgerigars. It doesn't only affect poultry, any scaly-legged bird is susceptible e.g. These range from paraffin oil and petroleum jelly to strong disinfectants. It may also infest other areas such as the comb or wattles of chickens. The most familiar parasites are the Red Mite and the Northern Mite, but lesser known species which affect our birds include the Scaly Leg Mite, the Canary Lung Mite, and the Grain or Flour Mite. Treatment of the hens, and keeping their house clean is the only way to prevent further attacks, from experience. Scaly Mites Symptoms and Treatments. One or more flock members might be infected, since the mites will move from bird to bird. small garden birds, and these birds can often carry the mite into your chicken run. Your veterinarian will prescribe the initial treatment of 10 days and then have you bring your bird back in for an examination. It will generally require anywhere from 2 to 6 treatments, 10 days each, to completely get rid of the mites. Rubbing petroleum jelly (alternatively: olive oil, baby oil or paraffin oil) on the feet and legs, which will suffocate the mites and soften the crusts for easy removal. Scaly mites, Cnemidocoptes pillae, are a microscopic species of mite that cause skin problems (‘scaly face’, ‘scaly leg’ and ‘tassel foot’) by burrowing under the skin in budgerigars, canaries, finches and a variety of other bird species. The goal of this is to smother the mites. If you are seeing scales lifting or thickened areas, your hen may have scaly leg. Mostly these treatments are designed to suffocate the mite or kill on contact. Most home treatment options for scaly leg mites suggest dipping the bird's legs in mineral oil or petroleum, and then slathering them in Vaseline. White crusts develop around the corners of the beak, nostrils, and around the eyes and legs; however, there is no itching. Older treatments are messy, inconsistent and fiddly to apply. My flock caught them from one of my Leghorn hens who at the time was carrying it. The good news is that it is easy to treat. An alternate treatment option for scaly leg mites is to mix 2 tablespoons of sulfur powder with ½ cup petroleum jelly- applied daily for a minimum of two weeks. Parasitic mites pose a serious threat to the health of cage birds, and some can even affect bird keepers. A healthy leg should have smooth scales with no raised areas. OPTION 3: Ivermectin In severe cases of scaly leg mite, oral or injectable forms of Ivermectin may be prescribed by a veterinarian.