FINCHforum

I recently received two zebrafinches and the male has discoloured and thicker scales on his foot, the right foot is worse than the other. I've had a look around the internet and it appears to be 'scaly mite', but I'm a new bird owner and would appreciate a second opinion before I take him to the vet and get him treatment.

Here are some pics:

http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u48 ... 904276.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u48 ... 04e7b8.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u48 ... 7b6b45.jpg
http://i1070.photobucket.com/albums/u48 ... 5c48a3.jpg

It is hard to tell for sure from the photos if it is scaly leg mites, but it would not hurt to treat for that anyway. I recently went through having to treat some of my birds for scaly leg mites, and I basically followed the routine described here:

http://www.ladygouldian.com/Scatt-air-sac-mite-control

The Scatt on the Q-tip will kill the mites, but the scales may remain. Massaging an ointment onto the feet will help those scales fall off, and you will be left with nice, clean feet. I got a cream called Carex (recommended at another site) at the drugstore, and it did a great job of removing the scales. You don't want to pick them off, just rubbing with the ointment will help to loosen them so they come off on their own.

And you need to treat the other bird in the cage at the same time, as these mites can travel from one bird to another. You also want to spray the cage, etc., with a bird-safe pesticide. I love Avian Insect Liquidator for this. You will have to order these products online, you don't normally find them at pet shops.