Skin Disorders in Chickens

Several different problems can affect the skin on chickens. Some disorders can be prevented by vaccinations. Chicken owners that notice anything wrong with the skin of their chicken should bring the chicken to a veterinarian who can tell for sure what's wrong with the bird.

  1. Marek's Disease (Visceral Leukosis)

    • One of the most common lymphoproliferative chicken diseases, according to Purdue University, Marek's Disease, or visceral leukosis, is caused by herpes. Though most common in younger chickens, Marek's Disease can affect older birds as well. Marek's Disease is transferred by dander, feces and other follicles from chickens in the air. Infected chickens may develop a paralyzed wing, blindness, neck problems or become anorexic and have diarrhea. Others have no symptoms but death. Since no treatment exists yet for Marek's Disease in chickens, vaccination is the best way to prevent a chicken from getting it.

    Scaly Leg (Knemidocoptes Mites)

    • Named for their genus, knemidocoptes mites are skin and beak parasites that affect chickens as well as other birds. Scaly leg mites affect sections of the skin not covered in feathers, causing "scaly gray or white crusty lesions," according to Pet Education. Ivermectin and moxidectin are used to rid the chicken of scaly leg mites. Antibiotics may also be needed to treat the chicken if it has contracted any infection because of the wounded skin.

    Fowl Pox

    • Like scaly leg mites, fowl pox cover the unfeathered part of a chicken and form "scab-like lesions," according to the University of Florida. Fowl pox only kill chickens if spread to the mouth. Chickens infected with fowl pox may have trouble growing and eating and have a large decline in egg production. Since no treatment currently exists, all chicken owners should get their chickens vaccinated by a veterinarian.