Bathing Silkies ~quick question about shampoo~

[SundownWaterfowl]

Im thinking about bathing my 2 silkie hens, and Im wondering what shampoo to use. They are buff hens.

I see that most breeders use flea and tick shampoo. Can I use any kind of flea and tick shampoo? Or should I only use dog flea and tick shampoo, or only cat flea and tick shampoo? I have some cat flea and tick shampoo on hand. Hartz brand.

 

[Mrs MIA]

I had to use our dog's shampoo the one and only time (so far) that I've had to bathe a silkie, but I think I'd be more likely to try a baby shampoo... just me? I bet some people even use dishwashing soap!!

 

[SundownWaterfowl]

Ive read of people using dawn dish soap. I also do have Prell shampoo.

 

[Happy Chicken Mama]

I use johnstons baby milk wash or the lavender soothing wash.

We love it! It makes 'um smell good for days! Ours actually seems to like baths... But we do it from the time that they are litttle to get them used to it.

I hate using the flea & tick stuff because it tells you to use gloves and that it is harmfuil to animals and humans... not to into that. Especially on the little silkies!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

If you're having issues with mites of lice, use a flea & tick shampoo. I've only used ones for dogs or humans, but cat versions are supposed to be gentler, so that is unlikely to be a problem.

If not, use a parrot shampoo if you can easily get one (order online or go to a pet store specializingin birds) as your first choice, then dog or baby shampoo as your second choice--either will protect their eyes.

The one time I tried dishwashing liquid it absolutely STRIPPED the oil from the feathers--great if you have a waterfowl rescued from an oil spill, but not for a bird you're planning to show anytime soon.

 

[Mrs MIA]

Yeah... that's what I was thinking... J&J No More Tears, or something all natural or organic. I'm not into the harsh chemicals, either.

Weird enough thinking of using a blueing agent on my white silkies!!

 

[HatTrickSilkies]

Dawn dish soap works just fine on a silkie. If you're having an issue with mites you can use a flea shampoo. A good rule of thumb is, if it's gentle enough for a kitten it should be fine for a silkie. You can ask your vet what they would recommend. I would stay away from Hartz anything, not just shampoo.

I also use a baby wash for the crest and beard.

If you're bathing buff silkies you can use Patene Red Expressions shampoo. It will add brightness, even to a very light buff. Same with White silkies if you're not crazy about bluing, Pantene Silver Expressions works nicely. Not quite as good as bluing but not bad.

~ Nikki

 

[Shared Acres]

Hartz has been known to have some issues with deaths of animals, I wouldn't use them.