This disease is known by the name of: Scabies of the legs or feet, whitewashed, being in reality a parasitic infection by mites of the genus Knemidocoptes. Scabies mites are mostly weakly sclerotized, move slowly, are very small (100–900 μm), and live permanently on their hosts.

It’s important to remember that chickens are descended from dinosaurs, and one remnant of that heritage is the scales on their legs; the mite lives and feeds continuously beneath these scales.

It hides in the epidermal layers of the skin of the legs of chickens, turkeys, and pheasants, causing a crusted scabies known as pata flaky. If not treated, can result in lameness and distortion or loss of distal.

Females measure 350–450 μm in length, while males measure less than 240 μm. As with other knemidocopts, the males’ legs are longer than those of the females, and all of them end in a small suction cup with a long stalk.

Neo Cnemidocoptes gallinae you can infest the skin of the back, the head, the neck, the abdomen and the upper part of the legs of the chickens, geese, and pheasants, causing an intense itching. The feathers of these areas may fall, break, or be torn off by the host, leading to a state known as the “jock plucking”.

All the secretions, droppings, molted skin, and dirt produced by the mite, along with dead skin flakes, form these scabs; naturally, this entire buildup harbors bacteria and causes the bird to itch, which the bird tries to scratch, resulting in wounds.

Knemidocoptes mutans: When the infestation is mild, there are hardly any noticeable symptoms, but as the condition worsens, a scaly deformation of the legs appears, with a whitish, spongy appearance.

The scales lose their appearance closed, and bright, and the secretion of trasudados deep that form clots and scabs.

That is why you should wash it with lukewarm water to soften the scabs, gently brush it with a nail or toothbrush, and avoid removing the dead scales; they will fall off on their own and be replaced. Disinfect the area with an iodine-based product and use the product recommended by veterinarians or poultry experts.

Once they're dry, we'll apply a generous layer of petroleum jelly; this is a preventive measure in normal circumstances, and it's a practice used by all poultry farmers in Europe, with excellent results; it involves covering the legs with petroleum jelly.

With this you kill the mite Knemidocoptes mutans, porque le dejas sin aire y lo asfixias; claro está, si el ave está como estas fotos que pongo, pues al avicultor de turno le tendrían que quitar todas ellas y no dejarle criar nunca, por no tener ética ni limpieza con sus animales.

Undoubtedly, the infestation intense it causes itching and restlessness, which has a direct impact on the production of the bird.