Black Scales

[BunnyChickenMomma]

My chicken, Thyme's, scales have turned very dark. It looks like there is a lot of dirt between them, but a month ago her scales were healthy. I assumed scaly leg mite, so I have been applying Vaseline and doing Epsom salt soaks.

She also has bumblefoot. I took her to the vet 2.5 weeks ago to get treated. Under vet direction, I've been cleaning her legs and applying SSD cream to the bumbles twice a day. The bumbles are still there, and her right foot is still a bit swollen (she had the abscess lanced and the kernel removed, but the lump is still there...). The vet said the bumbles and abscess were not deep and should clear up with no antibiotics. Because it hasn't cleared up and her scales are so weird, I'm taking her back to the vet tomorrow.

But I'm worried. Anyone see anything like this before?

Thanks for your help!

 

[MysteryChicken]

Do the scales stink?

 

[BunnyChickenMomma]

Do the scales stink?

Not that I have noticed. She is not limping and is acting completely normal (though I know that doesn't necessarily mean she isn't in pain).

 

[Wyorp Rock]

It looks like there is a lot of dirt between them

I have been applying Vaseline and doing Epsom salt soaks.

Give her legs/feet a good soaking in a little soapy water, use a soft brush like a toothbrush or nail brush. Clean the legs.

Likely it's just dirt that has accumulated and stuck to the vaseline/oils you have been applying.

 

[BunnyChickenMomma]

I will plan to do just that. Though her scales were turning black before I started with the Vaseline.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I will plan to do just that. Though her scales were turning black before I started with the Vaseline.

Sometimes Scaly Leg Mite debris (poop) can cause a discoloration as its building up under the scales.