Hen, likely dumped on my property, has scaly leg mites, and it’s 24 hours before a winter storm

[nolitaflat]

Hey all. I had this girl show up on my property today. She was probably dumped, unless she came half a mile through woods and backyards and a main back road to get here. She has what I’m assuming are aggressive scaly leg mites, but otherwise looks fine.

I obviously don’t want to mix her with my flock, but we are about 24 hours out from a major winter storm. I have a dog grate, spare greenhouse panels, and tarp that I could make her a very warm, draft free, and dry shelter to pass the storm, and could leave her on my porch. I would normally bring her inside, but I have a broody silkie mama that’s on day 19 of sitting on her eggs in a pen in my bathroom, and don’t want to displace her and the new hatchlings that are coming. What do you all think?

And if it is scaly leg mites, how difficult would it be to treat after this storm and how long should I quarantine? I hate that she was likely dumped, but I’m sure they saw all my coops out back and knew she’d be safe here…

 

[GodLovesU]

I have heard of using Vaseline to treat scaly mites. Definitely try to get the shelter set up before the storm. I would quarantine until the mites get better or at least 2 weeks.
@Wyorp Rock

 

[Wyorp Rock]

Hey all. I had this girl show up on my property today. She was probably dumped, unless she came half a mile through woods and backyards and a main back road to get here. She has what I’m assuming are aggressive scaly leg mites, but otherwise looks fine.

I obviously don’t want to mix her with my flock, but we are about 24 hours out from a major winter storm. I have a dog grate, spare greenhouse panels, and tarp that I could make her a very warm, draft free, and dry shelter to pass the storm, and could leave her on my porch. I would normally bring her inside, but I have a broody silkie mama that’s on day 19 of sitting on her eggs in a pen in my bathroom, and don’t want to displace her and the new hatchlings that are coming. What do you all think?

And if it is scaly leg mites, how difficult would it be to treat after this storm and how long should I quarantine? I hate that she was likely dumped, but I’m sure they saw all my coops out back and knew she’d be safe here…

I think it's great idea to provide her shelter.

She has a nice stance. For treatment of SLM, you can coat the legs with NuStock cream or Vaseline, working the oil/ointment up underneath the scales of the legs/feet. Ivermectin is also effective, if you go that route, I'd still apply NuStock or Vaseline to help soothe the legs and help the crusts to slough off.
Ivermectin Dosing https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/mites-lice-now-hen-growling.1242981/post-19965544

Quarantine is generally 3 weeks +/- observe her for any symptoms of respiratory illness. Check her over for lice/mites on the body. If you find any, treat with a Permethrin based poultry dust. Consider deworming her or get a fecal float to see if she needs deworming.

To treat most worms that poultry can have except for Tapeworm you can use Safeguard (Fenbendazole) or Valbazen (Albendazole). Both are given orally by weight; they do not mix well with water.

Once you feel comfortable that she's healthy to join your flock, begin integration, this may be a slow process depending on the personality of all birds involved.

For deworming:
Safeguard dose is 0.23ml per pound of weight given orally once a day for 5 days in a row.
---OR---
Valbazen dose is 0.08ml per pound of weight given orally once, then repeated in 10 days

Here's how to give oral medications:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...dications-to-all-poultry-and-waterfowl.73335/

 

[Jeff_Stone]

What a kind-hearted person you are!

Providing a warm, safe shelter for this abandoned girl until the storm passes is an excellent decision. Using the dog grate, greenhouse panels, and tarp to create a cozy space on your porch will help her weather the storm comfortably.

Regarding the scaly leg mites, it's great that you're aware of the issue. Treating scaly leg mites can be a bit of a process, but it's definitely doable. Here's a general outline:

Quarantine:

Keep her separated from your flock for at least 4-6 weeks to prevent the mites from spreading.

Treatment:

You can use a topical treatment like petroleum jelly, coconut oil, or a commercial product containing ivermectin.

Apply the treatment to the affected areas (legs and feet) repeatedly, usually every 7-10 days, for several weeks.

Cleaning and disinfection:

Thoroughly clean and disinfect any surfaces, feeders, waterers, or equipment that come into contact with the affected bird.

Be sure to follow proper quarantine procedures to protect your existing flock.

It's wonderful that you're providing a safe haven for this abandoned chicken. Your broody silkie mama and her upcoming hatchlings are lucky to have such a caring owner!