Ep230 - Scaly Leg Mites & Favus: Two Contagious Threats That Can Devastate Your Strain

In this two-part episode, we take an in-depth look at two often-overlooked but potentially devastating health problems affecting backyard and small-flock poultry: Scaly Leg Mites and Favus (White Comb). In Part 1, we explore Scaly Leg Mites, including how Knemidocoptes mutans affects birds, how infections spread, the warning signs to watch for, and why early detection is so important. From raised scales and incessant leg pecking to severe crusting, lameness, tissue damage, and even toe necrosis, we discuss how an untreated infestation can progress. We also examine a severe real-world case and the treatment and recovery process, along with practical strategies for prevention, isolation, sanitation, and flock management. In Part 2, we turn our attention to Favus, a highly contagious fungal disease that can affect birds and potentially spread to humans and other animals. Learn how to recognize the characteristic white, powdery lesions and honeycomb-like crusts, how the disease is transmitted, and why proper protective measures and environmental sanitation are essential. Whether you keep a few backyard chickens or manage a larger breeding flock, this episode offers important information to help you recognize problems early, respond appropriately, and protect the health of your birds. #ScalyLegMites #Favus #BackyardChickens #PoultryHealth #ChickenHealth #PoultryCare #ChickenDiseases #SmallFlock #BackyardPoultry #PoultryEducation #FlockManagement #ChickenKeeping See ya there! Kenny Troiano Founder of "The Breeders Academy" We specialize in breeding, and breeding related topics. This includes proper selection practices and the use of proven breeding programs. It is our mission to provide our followers and members a greater understanding of poultry breeding, poultry genetics, poultry health care and disease prevention, and how to improve the production and performance ability of your fowl. If you are interested in creating a strain, or improving your established strain, you are in the right place. We also want to encourage you to join us at the Breeders Academy, where we will not only help you increase your knowledge of breeding and advance your skills as a breeder, but improve the quality and performance of your fowl. If you would like to learn more, go to: https://www.breedersacademy.com