“Wing Rap” by Dr. Teresa Morishita
Question: The scales of my chicken’s feet do not lay flat. Is this
caused by scaly-leg mites?
Answer: Scaly-leg mites are a species of mites known as Knemidocoptes
mutans. These mites burrow under the scales of the chicken’s feet to
eventually cause the scales to be lifted. In severe infestations, there
can be a loss of the digits (toes). Treatment with ivermectin has been
reported to reduce the severity of this infection in the flock. Your
local veterinarian can assist you in developing a treatment plan for
your bird(s). In addition, applying a petroleum-based jelly to the
affected shanks and legs in an early stage of the infestation can assist
in having the scales return to its original state. If left untreated,
the infestation can progress and the scales will remain up turned or in
severe cases, the toes can fall off. Hence, if you suspect a case of
scaly-leg mites, it is important to diagnose and treat the bird(s)
quickly.
Teresa Y. Morishita, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACPV is a Professor and Extension
Poultry Veterinarian in the Department of Veterinary Preventive
Medicine. She is a board-certified poultry veterinarian and is also the
Director of the Avian Disease Investigation Laboratory at The Ohio State
University. She welcomes your questions and invites you to contact her
at the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, The Ohio State
University, 1920 Coffey Road, Columbus, OH 43210 or contact her through
this website at www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/poultry/
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