How to Get Rid of Mites on Chicken Legs

Normal chicken legs are primarily thin with flat, well-formed scales. But when chickens become infested by the scaly leg mite, the legs can start to look old, swollen and deformed as the tiny, round mite burrows under the scale. As a result, the legs and feet enlarge and appear rough. In extreme cases, the joints can become damaged and the skin can crack. If left untreated, the chicken can become crippled. Because scaly leg mites only live under the scales of the chicken's legs, getting rid of them is a simply a matter of consistent treatment over an extended period of time.

Things You'll Need

• Basin or wash tub
• Linseed or mineral oil
• Warm, soapy water
• Towels or paper towels
• Petroleum jelly

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Dip the bird's legs up to the feather line in linseed or mineral oil.

   • 2

     Bathe the chicken's legs with warm, soapy water to remove the oil.

   • 3

     Dry the legs thoroughly.

   • 4

     Coat the legs with a petroleum jelly.

   • 5

     Repeat two or three times a week for approximately three weeks.