Bathing a chicken

[Esmae]

Mrs chickabiddie has a mucky bum. I need to give her a wash to sort it out. I've never had to bath a chicken before. I have horse shampoo. Is that okay or should I use tresseme or something else. She won't like this I'm sure but needs must. Grateful for any suggestions. Thanks.

 

[clairebearnz]

I've always used dishwashing liquid or horse shampoo on my chooks (I rehab birds for a chicken rescue) - why does she have a mucky bum? The usual cause of poo, outside diet, is intestinal worms so I'd definitely worm her. I'd also check for lice egg cases (big grey chunks attached to feathers) that accumulate around the vent area. I also tend to trim back any feathers that have clumped together as I find that helps to stop accumulation of poo and makes it easier to check the skin etc is healthy. If not poo, I'd be concerned about vent gleet.

I've found that they don't tend to object too much to warm water, especially if it's around roosting time. I tend to then tuck them up into a towel until they're dry but my friend turns the hairdryer on hers on cool and slow and one of hers purrs and falls asleep.

Hope that helps!

 

[Esmae]

I've always used dishwashing liquid or horse shampoo on my chooks (I rehab birds for a chicken rescue) - why does she have a mucky bum? The usual cause of poo, outside diet, is intestinal worms so I'd definitely worm her. I'd also check for lice egg cases (big grey chunks attached to feathers) that accumulate around the vent area. I also tend to trim back any feathers that have clumped together as I find that helps to stop accumulation of poo and makes it easier to check the skin etc is healthy. If not poo, I'd be concerned about vent gleet.

I've found that they don't tend to object too much to warm water, especially if it's around roosting time. I tend to then tuck them up into a towel until they're dry but my friend turns the hairdryer on hers on cool and slow and one of hers purrs and falls asleep.

Hope that helps!

Thank you for all that info. I did worm her, because she seemed to almost go off the boil for some reason but is bouncing now. She's a silkie so lots of soft feather. Whatever caused the problem to begin with is no more but unfortunately every time she poos now it locks onto what is already there. I may just trim the feathers off but would prefer not for her sake. Today is the day to sort her out now that she is feeling herself again. She won't be pleased, she is an opinionated little soul, however needs must. Thanks a lot.

 

[clairebearnz]

I'd definitely trim the feathers back to make it easier. It doesnt need to be back to the skin but just a bit of detailing. I had a rescue shaver (who'd been dumped in a local park missing most of her back feathers) who suffered a bit and trimming the feathers back a bit was the thing that helped the most even after washing. She's just finished her seasonal moult and is looking spry and fully feathered.