FINCHforum

I am new to canaries and learning as I go! I purchased two females over the weekend and both seemed healthy and alert at the time of purchase.

When I put the in the quarantine cages, I noticed they both had scales on their feet and legs. I sprayed them with AIL and SCATT. I was wondering how long it takes before I see an improvement on their legs and no longer see the scaly feet?


Chantal

I'd give them a few days and watch the feet. I'm not sure if it will take a while to show any clearing, but SCATT lasts for 3 weeks and will continue to work on any mites that hatch. Here is a link with more detail on this problem with canaries.
http://www.canaryadvisor.com/scaly-feet.html

Thanks for the info! I'll keep an eye on them and give it a few more weeks.

You will find that as canaries age, they also do develop thickened or scaly legs. My canary is 11 or so, and has quite thick or rough scales on his feet and legs, even though he has no mites and is very healthy.

Here in Mexico I do not have access to the scale and mite medications that you do in the US. Whenever I see scales on my canaries feet, I use a little olive oil or Triple Antibiotic Ointment and rub it in good on the feet and then lightly with my fingers, pick off the scales. Sometimes it takes 2 to 3 times as I try not to have any bleeding and some can be tougher than others to remove. I also have a non toxic "powder" designed for those kinds of insects and I sprinkle it on them occasionally as a precaution.

If I do get an occasional bleeder, the Triple antibiotic ointment at least protects the legs and feet from infection.

You do what you can when you don't live in your home country!!