Help wanted - lovely thick feathers care

[Mucking out - still]

Looking for any tips on keeping legs free from scurf on a heavy traditional cob type. The feathers are so profuse I struggle to see the skin easily.

For 16 years, I've clipped his legs, but left them over winter and he now has an impressive set and I'd like to keep them. But, the reason for clipping to start with was he gets loads of scurf that quickly builds in any crease and I had a few instances of them becoming sore and scabby. He even needed a visit to the vet to be sedated so we could clean it up and treat it.

I've been combing the feathers daily and have removed loads of scurf - some fairly thick lumps. Does regular combing work? Has anyone got any great advice?

I want to give it a go, but if I can't keep scabbies at bay, will clip again. Or if the hogged mane doesn't grow well

 

[The Xmas Furry]

An application of head and shoulders original shampoo onto affected areas, rinse, towel dry and brush out. Repeat every 2 to 3 weeks or longer, when needed. Do not use if any skin broken though.
Some will say pig oil but if you use this definitely patch test 1st tho.

 

[Mucking out - still]

Hi F

An application of head and shoulders original shampoo onto affected areas, rinse, towel dry and brush out. Repeat every 2 to 3 weeks or longer, when needed. Do not use if any skin broken though.
Some will say pig oil but if you use this definitely patch test 1st tho.

Hi, Fuzzy Furry. Thanks for this. Any further tips on getting the shampoo right to the skin? The hair around the old ankles is so thick it's almost impossible to get it wet, or get in to skin

 

[Sossigpoker]

The scurf is probably hyperkeratosis (I.e mallanders /sallanders). You need to treat it by using a moistiruser every day.

 

[shortstuff99]

I wash my heavy feathered cobs with neem shampoo and then use farriers M and S cream on any patches of Mallenders. Keeps it well at bay, I also feed a low sugar diet as this can make it worse.

 

[Shysmum]

Pig oil and sulphur once a month, hands down. Mane and tail too. Patch test first.

 

[Goldenstar]

I recommend mother bee sooth and protect for mallenders .

 

[spotty_pony]

Was with Selsun shampoo to remove the grease and scurf, and then spray with pig oil and comb to keep them nice.

 

[Mucking out - still]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I use pig oil & sulphur even on his clipped legs, so will continue with that. I've tried moisturising in the past and it seemed to make it worse by producing even more build-up.

I'll experiment with head & shoulders @The Fuzzy Furry, neem and Selsun, @shortstuff99 & @spotty_pony.

 

[Highmileagecob]

Another vote for Selsun 2.5% shampoo. The Selsun Blue shampoo is not as effective. Any shampoo which contains selenium will work - Head & Shoulders used to contain it, but I think I am correct in saying the ingredient list has changed.