What causes the formation of swollen, heavily encrusted and deformed legs in birds?
Most likely it is an infestation of the scaly-leg mite. This mite is more commonly found in older birds and particularly on those, which are kept in crowded pens in so-called backyard flocks. They burrow into the skin causing local irritation. Isolate infested birds and dip their feet and legs in light oil. Be careful not to get oil on feathers or skin or upper part of legs. Repeat treatment in a month if infestation persists.
Most likely it is an infestation of the scaly-leg mite. This mite is more commonly found in older birds and particularly on those that are kept in crowded pens in so-called backyard flocks. They burrow into the skin causing local irritation. Isolate infested birds and dip their feet and legs in light oil. Be careful not to get oil on feathers or skin or upper part of legs. Repeat treatment in a month if infestation persists.
