Grease in feathers

[OrionDuca]

I have recently got a young gyspey vanner gelding,
he has some grease in his feathers, not much though, is this the start of mud fever and can i prevent it/get rid of the grease, or is it nothing to worry about?

Thanks

 

[Tnavas]

If you think it might be the beginning of mudfever wash the feathers really well with Nizoral shampoo.

You can buy it from the chemist. Dilute with hand hot water and work well into the hair - it lathers up really well when you use the hot water.

It will remove the grease and kill any fungus that is upsetting the skin.

About to do my young horse today that is showing signs of grease on his hind legs.

 

[Mizzbecx]

I've also heard people talk about greasy heel, maybe worth a look:-

http://horses.about.com/od/commonproblems/p/greasyheel.htm

 

[Cinnamontoast]

I've also heard people talk about greasy heel, maybe worth a look:-

http://horses.about.com/od/commonproblems/p/greasyheel.htm

This, very typical, my cob suffers horribly in winter.

I've tried everything and the only thing I notice makes a big difference is Avon Skin so Soft, Fresh version bath oil. I wash his feathers, rinse loads, hand massage the stuff in. It took til 2 months after, but he is free of greasy heel/mallenders/mudfever for the first time in four years! Must admit I'm thrilled!

 

[OrionDuca]

For people who use pig oil and sulphur, before putting it on the legs do you have to wash the feathers first, or can you put it on without washing?

Thanks everyone

 

[Foxhunter49]

You can use neat pig oil, no need to wash the feather, just work it straight into the feathers and leave for about an hour. You will find that all the grease works its way to the top of the feathers, then wash it off with hot soapy water and rinse.
Ideally you then rub the feathers with wood flour to dry them and you end up with very white feathers that are grease free.

This is what the heavy horse people do for shows.

Neem oil is brilliant for mud fever and mites.

 

[Tnavas]

Neem oil is used as an insecticide in India and also has steriod properties so will reduce the inflamation and along with the oil will protect the skin

 

[Shysmum]

I apply pig oil and sulphur when his feathers are clean (as in brushed) and most importantly dry. I massage it in to the skin with my fingertips, and then just leave it - some drips off the hair, but I never wash it off, or even wet his feathers. Just leave it, and re-apply every fortnight.