Ivermectin or Ivomec for Scaly Leg Mites

[donna641]

Well, I have my first case of scaly leg mites. Actually my first case of mites of any kind. I have one rooster that has it pretty bad with no signs of problems on the other birds, YET. I have a total of 15 chickens, and I know that I have to treat all of them.

I have read about many treatments for these mites, and I think I want to go with Ivermectin or Ivomec because it seems easier and quicker than the other treatments.

I would like to know if Ivomec is just as effective as Ivermectin because it is less expensive. Please share your experiences and recommendations with me regarding dosage, how to apply, how often to apply, exactly which product to buy and any other tips you might have for me. I guess I also need to know exactly what size bottle I would need to buy to effectively treat 15 birds. As mentioned, this is my first time treating for anything, so it seems kind of overwhelming to me right now.

Thank you in advance for your help.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

As far as I know they are the same thing... brand name verses drug name.

It is not approved for use in chickens so egg withdrawal information is not solid. But many people do use it... the pour on one. As you say, also pricey. It came only in a cattle size when I bought it.

@casportpony I promise I will try and get this information memorized if you might be so kind as to share the dosing information you have? TIA!

I'm not sure that considering egg withdrawal and having to weigh each bird to get the dose correct and all it is a better, quicker, easier choice... but it is an option that treats some worms species as well as the mites and any lice.

With most any treatment and larger flocks... doing so after dark using a flashlight or head lamp is often a good way to prevent any chasing and easily make sure every bird is treated as they *usually* stay put in the dark.

 

[donna641]

As far as I know they are the same thing... brand name verses drug name.

It is not approved for use in chickens so egg withdrawal information is not solid. But many people do use it... the pour on one. As you say, also pricey. It came only in a cattle size when I bought it.

@casportpony I promise I will try and get this information memorized if you might be so kind as to share the dosing information you have? TIA!

I'm not sure that considering egg withdrawal and having to weigh each bird to get the dose correct and all it is a better, quicker, easier choice... but it is an option that treats some worms species as well as the mites and any lice.

With most any treatment and larger flocks... doing so after dark using a flashlight or head lamp is often a good way to prevent any chasing and easily make sure every bird is treated as they *usually* stay put in the dark.

Thank you. Are there any other pour on or easy to apply medications besides the ivermectin that work just as well?

 

[donna641]

I would also like opinions on Elector PSP. I see there is no egg withdrawal with this, but it is extremely expensive. I'm told that the bottle will last a long, long time, but wondering what the shelf life is. I only have 15 birds so I won't be using a lot all at once.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I use a permethrin based spray... essentially a synthetic version of pyrethrin a chrysanthemum extract... comes under many names like Gordon's.. $8 bottle lasted my 82 birds, 2 large goats, and 3 medium dogs for 2+ years for lice and regular mites. Very effective and no egg withdrawal required when used according to directions. But reapplication is required (see label) in order to get the second generation, completely interrupt the life cycle, and kill them dead without creating resistance to the drug. Should only be used AS needed and not "on a schedule" aside from the required second round.

It is considered ineffective against Scaly leg mite as they may not come to the surface. Shelf life should be fine IF stored properly. Soaking not required. Just a small spritz directly on skin with feathers parted... just below the vent, in each wing pit, and to the nape of the neck where head base meets.

Applying Vaseline or Crisco vegetable shortening (other thick safe stuff) to the legs a couple nights in a row should suffocate the SLM and no egg withdrawal.

Have not spent the $ on elector yet. I would try it if it was important to me, but I have not need to.

Poultry Protector sold at Wally and is also supposed to be enzyme based is cheap. No personal experience with it.

A (mostly) good informational link...
https://the-chicken-chick.com/poultry-lice-and-mites-identification/

ETA: works for mosquitoes as well. NOT for use in cats.

 

[janiedoe]

I had good results with Ivermectin for scaley leg mites. I would use it again if needed. I found a small bottle at Tractor Supply for around $20. I used it on about 20 chickens twice each, 10 days apart. It was so easy to use. I did throw away a lot of eggs for about 3 1/2 weeks total. I think that made me appreciate the hard work those hens do. Store bought eggs just aren't the same. My chickens aren't all tame so I didn't even want to try the smothering method
I would use a generic if I found it at a cheaper price. Good luck, dealing with mites and lice is so unpleasant.

 

[Fairview01]

@donna641

It is possible for only 1 or 2 in a flock have scaly mite problems. Unlike other mites, scaly mites do not jump on/off their hosts like other mites so any coop treatments aren't an effective approach to control.

Saline ivermectin can be injected or added to water. Injected is most effective for external parasites while oral is more effective for internal. The topical version can only be applied to the skin. It is not soluble in water and I would assume it is also insoluble when injected. I have read accounts that the topical can burn skin on poultry which makes sense to me since the intended animals are cattle, sheep and other thick skinned animals.

Ivermectin is used to treat parasites in humans also so imo discussing withdrawal periods on eggs is a non issue for me.

 

[donna641]

This is in reply to the post from Fairview01:

Thank you for the response. The rest of my flock looks fine, but I read in many places that they are highly contagious and that the whole flock should be treated, but I'm glad to hear that it's not necessarily going to spread to the rest of them. I think I will try treating the rooster that is affected and then just keep a close eye on the rest of my birds.

How difficult is it to give a chicken an injection? I have given dogs shots before, but have never tried it on a bird.

 

[donna641]

I had good results with Ivermectin for scaley leg mites. I would use it again if needed. I found a small bottle at Tractor Supply for around $20. I used it on about 20 chickens twice each, 10 days apart. It was so easy to use. I did throw away a lot of eggs for about 3 1/2 weeks total. I think that made me appreciate the hard work those hens do. Store bought eggs just aren't the same. My chickens aren't all tame so I didn't even want to try the smothering method
I would use a generic if I found it at a cheaper price. Good luck, dealing with mites and lice is so unpleasant.

Thank you for the information. I was dreading trying the smothering method because my chickens aren't used to being held or picked up. I'm glad to hear there are easier ways to do this.

 

[casportpony]

How difficult is it to give a chicken an injection? I have given dogs shots before, but have never tried it on a bird.

Injections are easy, but you can give the injectable orally instead. That is what I do.