Old hen with thinning scales on backside of legs (not scaly mites)

[mf1sh]

My oldest hen Booka just turned 10 and I recently noticed changes to the backside of her legs. The scales seem to be thinning and the area is pink. I don’t believe this is scaly mites based on the condition of the rest of her legs and feet. She’s behaving normally. Underside of her feet look normal; they’ve become more calloused as she’s aged. The area that’s turning pink and thinning correlates with the areas that touch the ground when she’s sitting.

Other details:

• Phoenix, Arizona.
• Easter Egger breed.
• Healthy weight.
• Layer pellets with occasional snacks (worms, scratch, leafy greens and other vegetables).
• Hasn’t laid any eggs this year; last year she laid 2-3. Mostly retired!
• Flock diagnosed with Marek’s disease ~7 years ago. She’s unvaccinated but shows no symptoms.
• Mixed breed flock (23 hens and 1 rooster; bantam rooster has never mated with her).
• Roosts on perch at night. Multiple perch options available, but she likes a narrow bar.

 

[Eggcessive]

I do think there could be some scaly leg mites. Old chickens may not dust bathe enough, and their scales may become raised and damaged, as well as they don’t wear down their toenails. Castor oil which is available at most stores with pharmacies, and in larger quantities online, is very good to coat the legs to smother mites and heal. I would use it or other oil twice a week for a couple of months, to see if new scales grow in. Nustock cream with sulfur and pine oil works well too, and many use petroleum jelly or pine tar.