Scalex spray for scaly leg mites

[bunnochick]

I couldn't find much info online so hoping someone here has experience! I rescued a hen with a pretty bad case of scaly leg mites. The owner said she's had them for the entirety of the time she had the bird. Apparently they treated once with Vaseline and it didn't take care of the problem. It sounds like she's had the mites for a least a year.

I gave her an Epsom soak last night, soaked her legs in vegetable oil, then coated her legs in Vaseline. I plan to repeat the oil/Vaseline throughout the week.

I'm worried since she's had them so long that I'll need a stronger remedy. I bought this spray, the active ingredients are Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide. It's made for birds like parrots, etc. As you can see in the photo, it just references spraying for lice. Do we think this would work for scaly leg mites? Ivermectin will be my absolute last resort so please just let me know if you think I should try this if the Vaseline doesn't help this week. (Any more natural remedies would be highly appreciated as well!)

Thanks

 

[arianna7]

It sounds like you're doing a great job caring for the hen with scaly leg mites! Here are some insights and suggestions regarding your treatment plan:

Current Treatment​

1. Epsom Soaks: This is a good start, as it can help soothe her legs and remove debris.
2. Vegetable Oil and Vaseline: Coating her legs with oil followed by Vaseline can help suffocate the mites. Repeating this treatment throughout the week is a good idea.

Using the Spray​

• Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide: These ingredients are commonly used for treating external parasites. While the product is labeled for lice, it may also be effective against scaly leg mites. However, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, and make sure it’s safe for use on chickens.
• Caution: Avoid spraying directly on the hen’s legs if she’s already been treated with Vaseline, as it may not penetrate well and could cause irritation.

Other Options​

1. Natural Remedies:
   • Diatomaceous Earth: Food-grade diatomaceous earth can help control mites. Dust her legs lightly, but be cautious not to create a dust cloud that she could inhale.
   • Neem Oil: This natural oil has insecticidal properties and can be diluted and applied to her legs.
   • Garlic: Some people use garlic in the diet as it may help repel parasites, though it’s not a direct treatment for scaly leg mites.
2. Ivermectin: While you prefer to avoid it, it is a highly effective treatment for scaly leg mites if other methods fail. Consult with a vet for proper dosing if you decide to go this route.

Monitoring Progress​

• Keep an eye on her legs for any signs of improvement or worsening condition. If the Vaseline and oil treatments do not yield results within a week, consider trying the spray or consulting a vet for more aggressive treatment options.

General Care​

• Ensure she has a clean living environment to minimize reinfestation. Regular cleaning of bedding and living space can help reduce mite populations.

You're doing a wonderful job helping this hen! If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

 

[bunnochick]

It sounds like you're doing a great job caring for the hen with scaly leg mites! Here are some insights and suggestions regarding your treatment plan:

Current Treatment​

1. Epsom Soaks: This is a good start, as it can help soothe her legs and remove debris.
2. Vegetable Oil and Vaseline: Coating her legs with oil followed by Vaseline can help suffocate the mites. Repeating this treatment throughout the week is a good idea.

Using the Spray​

• Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide: These ingredients are commonly used for treating external parasites. While the product is labeled for lice, it may also be effective against scaly leg mites. However, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for application, and make sure it’s safe for use on chickens.
• Caution: Avoid spraying directly on the hen’s legs if she’s already been treated with Vaseline, as it may not penetrate well and could cause irritation.

Other Options​

1. Natural Remedies:
   • Diatomaceous Earth: Food-grade diatomaceous earth can help control mites. Dust her legs lightly, but be cautious not to create a dust cloud that she could inhale.
   • Neem Oil: This natural oil has insecticidal properties and can be diluted and applied to her legs.
   • Garlic: Some people use garlic in the diet as it may help repel parasites, though it’s not a direct treatment for scaly leg mites.
2. Ivermectin: While you prefer to avoid it, it is a highly effective treatment for scaly leg mites if other methods fail. Consult with a vet for proper dosing if you decide to go this route.

Monitoring Progress​

• Keep an eye on her legs for any signs of improvement or worsening condition. If the Vaseline and oil treatments do not yield results within a week, consider trying the spray or consulting a vet for more aggressive treatment options.

General Care​

• Ensure she has a clean living environment to minimize reinfestation. Regular cleaning of bedding and living space can help reduce mite populations.

You're doing a wonderful job helping this hen! If you have more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask.

Thanks for the response and encouragement!

Neem oil is a good idea. Have you tried this method before?

Do you have any experience with the Scalex spray? I'm having a hard time finding if it's safe for chickens in this way since it's marketed towards other birds. Here's to hoping the Vaseline works and I can avoid the spray in the first place!

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I rescued a hen with a pretty bad case of scaly leg mites.

Apparently they treated once with Vaseline and it didn't take care of the problem. It sounds like she's had the mites for a least a year.

I gave her an Epsom soak last night, soaked her legs in vegetable oil, then coated her legs in Vaseline. I plan to repeat the oil/Vaseline throughout the week.

A one time application of Vaseline, oil, etc. will not treat SLM.
You will need to apply the treatment at least a couple of times a week, for weeks until the legs have healed up.

The oil/vaseline must be work up underneath the scales of the legs/feet in order to smother the SLM. If the case is severe, this will take a while since the crusts and scales will eventually loosen up and fall off.

Spraying will not work for SLM since they live under the scales of the legs/feet where a spray will not penetrate.
The Scalex spray could be used to treat body lice and/or mites.

Ivermectin will help treat SLM as well, it is an option to help get them more under control, but you will still want to use oil/cream to help with the crusty legs and help heal them up.

I'm worried since she's had them so long that I'll need a stronger remedy. I bought this spray, the active ingredients are Pyrethrins and Piperonyl Butoxide. It's made for birds like parrots, etc. As you can see in the photo, it just references spraying for lice. Do we think this would work for scaly leg mites? Ivermectin will be my absolute last resort so please just let me know if you think I should try this if the Vaseline doesn't help this week. (Any more natural remedies would be highly appreciated as well!)

 

[bunnochick]

A one time application of Vaseline, oil, etc. will not treat SLM.
You will need to apply the treatment at least a couple of times a week, for weeks until the legs have healed up.

The oil/vaseline must be work up underneath the scales of the legs/feet in order to smother the SLM. If the case is severe, this will take a while since the crusts and scales will eventually loosen up and fall off.

Spraying will not work for SLM since they live under the scales of the legs/feet where a spray will not penetrate.
The Scalex spray could be used to treat body lice and/or mites.

Ivermectin will help treat SLM as well, it is an option to help get them more under control, but you will still want to use oil/cream to help with the crusty legs and help heal them up.

Ahh, good to know. I've never seen mention of doing the oil AND ivermectin so I will keep that in mind going forward.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge. This has been extremely helpful!