Strange black grease in feathers- *pictures*

J

JessPickle

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 October 2005
Messages
13,049
Visit site
Pickle keeps getting this recently, he didn't have it on sunday then went up today and his white feathers were all black with grease (only the white ones are ever affected!
confused.gif
) it doesn't comb out and it you can't brush it out without pulling all his feathers out. The only way I can get it off is to put his whole foot in a bucket on hibiscrub to loosen it so I can scrub it off. Allthough this works its very time consuming and was wondering if anyone knew what it was and how to treat it

DSC00879.jpg

DSC00878.jpg

DSC00877.jpg

poor pickley
DSC00882.jpg
 
[ QUOTE ]
Is it greasy right down to skin level or not???

Is it possible that there has been some oil dumped in the field...???

Really weird
confused.gif


[/ QUOTE ]

its mainly in the hair itself but some on the skin itself. I would say VERY unlikely oil in field we are in the middle of nowhere no roads go near his field and none of the other 5 horses in the field have it, and pickle had it a few months ago when in a different field
confused.gif


wasnt sure if I would get more response in here or new lounge?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Could you not clip his feathers off?

[/ QUOTE ]

yeah was planning on it, just wondering what it is, and also it is on his heels as well so even clipping feathers would leave a bit
crazy.gif
 
The only thing I could think of is the school you are using in your sig. The indoor one. My mare gets black stuff all over her lower legs and the only way to get it off is bathing. But as you havent ridden I assume, it is odd. Unless someone is riding him for you.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The only thing I could think of is the school you are using in your sig. The indoor one. My mare gets black stuff all over her lower legs and the only way to get it off is bathing. But as you havent ridden I assume, it is odd. Unless someone is riding him for you.

[/ QUOTE ]

He didnt have it after being ridden on sunday, and hasn't been ridden since sunday. I am glad its not just me confused!!!
confused.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
could it be dust... then when it gets wet, it turns black and greasy?

[/ QUOTE ]not sure, he was obviously brushed before he went to the field on sunday but I suppose some could be missed
crazy.gif
 
[ QUOTE ]
is it possible it is coming from his skin onto his feathers? What about some kind of skin condition like mud fever or something? or perhaps an allergic reaction? strikes me as odd how it is forming.

[/ QUOTE ]

Glad you have said that because I was thinking the same thing, problem is want vet to see it but I would have to wait till it reformed
frown.gif
 
Looks like normal grubby legs on a hairy horse - they get like this in the field - legs get wet from rain and dirt/dust mixes in the hair and looks and feels greasy. Mine are both like this at the moment on the bottom 3" of their hair.

Hot water and fairy liquid or grannies soap flakes in hot water soon gets it out if you don't like grubby legs, I personally leave it unless I need them to look clean for showing.

Do just in case check to make sure no scabs or crusty skin - if they are scabby or crusty use pig oil and sulphur on them. In winter P&S keeps the under hair and skin dry and clean even if the out layer is wet and filthy. Also prevents mites and grease problems in heavy/hairy breeds.

If you want the long PM I do on hairy beasts, PM me and I will send it to you.

Finally leaving the hair on and oiling up the legs with P&S is excellent for preventing MF.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top