Tiny mites burrow under leg scales and raise them up, leaving crusty white or yellow buildup. The legs look thick and lumpy. Treatable but uncomfortable.
AI illustration of Scaly Leg Mites
Mix of AI illustrations and anonymized real cases shared by community keepers. Visual severity varies by bird, age, and stage.
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Soak legs in warm soapy water to soften crusts, then coat in petroleum jelly or castor oil daily for 2 weeks. The oil suffocates the mites. Treat all birds in the flock since mites spread.
Prevention
Inspect legs monthly. Provide a dust bath with diatomaceous earth or wood ash. Clean roosts and the coop floor regularly.
