BluKote Questions

[RichtmanRanch]

I am new to the chicken farming scene. My barred rock Dottie was pecked pretty bad on her comb and several people recommend I spay her with blukote. Well it seemed like they were even more interested in her comb after i sprayed (I waited till it was dry to put her back). I am wondering how can I safely remove it from her comb? Or how does it come off on its own and how long would that take? Her head is so purpley looking now. I feel like I would have no idea if it is healing alright. Can I just use some warm water and maybe a little soap?

Also there seems to be much debate within the community as to whether or not it is safe to use blukote on chickens. I am trying to do right by my flock. But I feel like maybe I just made the wrong decision. Will it truly make her eggs inedible? Thanks.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

I would have no problems eating eggs from a chicken treated with Blu-Kote. The active anti fungal ingredient Arcriflavin is cautioned to keep from eyes and inhaling. 1/7th of 1% of Blu-Kote contains this. Protecting the birds eyes and mouth when treating a comb is the recommendation and you shouldn't breath it.

Anti fungal, disinfecting and quick drying aerosol spray. I really like the stuff and (usually) keeps chickens from going after wounded area. Was it curious pecking or outright brutality after the Blu-Kote? I'd think they were just curious what Edna had on her head and will leave it alone soon. Better than them thinking her bloody comb is a meal.

Try washing it if you like. Use a antibiotic gel/cream instead.

 

[dawg53]

There's nothing wrong with using Blu-Kote. I've used it without any problems. As for as I know it has to wear off on its own. Eggs are safe to eat. It will heal her comb, no problem.
BTW: I read your other post. Did you add another nesting box? Sometimes birds will peck/pick on a lower ranked hen in the pecking order, and especially if the lower ranked hen is in the only nesting box available as in your case. The others want the lower ranked hen out of the nesting box so the higher ranked hens can lay their eggs.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/844407/hen-pecking-and-bloody-combs

 

[RichtmanRanch]

Looking back it was definitely a curious peck. I thought It was dry when I put her back but maybe not enough. Regardless I dont think it was an aggressive peck. I was probably just hypersensitive to what was going on. Things seem to be fine now. And yes I did add a second nest box, they are using both. I see what you mean about pecking a lower ranked hen out of the nest box. When this all first happened I think the attack started in the nest box because thats where the most blood splattered on the walls. But I think things have calmed down for now. It will be warm here in MN for the next few days and they will have lots of time to spend out in the run.

It is comforting to hear your comments about Blukote. It seems like there are more positive then negative experiences/reactions from it. I think I did a pretty decent job of covering her beak and eyes when I applied it. After a few days the color has somewhat faded. It was just weird to see her look like a blueberry. I suppose I will just keep an eye on whether or not her comb swells up for any sign of infection. But I think she is doing well. I still plan on eating the eggs. Im still new to all the ups and downs with raising chickens. Every day I am learning something new. Thanks for the support.

 

[Eggcessive]

I have used BluKote many times with injuries to my two polish chickens who have had their head feathers all pecked out several times. It is also ood for barebacked hen from overmating. The only ingredients that I have ever seen in BluKote are alcohol and gentian violet, which is a very old antifungal/antiseptic that has been used inside baby's mouths for years to treat thrush before more modern antifungals come on the market. I wouldn't worry about it.