Can chickens like water?

[PippinTheChicken]

During the summer, flies can lay eggs in dirty chicken butts. I am terrified of this happening!
Can I bath my chickens? I've heard of people doing this before.
To be honest, it will be kinda cute too!
I will dry them before putting back outside, don't want them to get cold!
What do u think?

 

[Mutchi]

Yes you can, just make sure they aren't sick,it can cause too much stress and die I learned that the hard way ...

 

[PippinTheChicken]

If they are under too much stress, I wont bath them

 

[Mutchi]

Good choice!

 

[topochico225]

During the summer, flies can lay eggs in dirty chicken butts. I am terrified of this happening!
Can I bath my chickens? I've heard of people doing this before.
To be honest, it will be kinda cute too!
I will dry them before putting back outside, don't want them to get cold!
What do u think?

Flystrike can happen any time of the year. Bathing chickens is fine, just make sure to use a pet shampoo (if they're REALLY dirty) and warm water. If it's warm outside, the sun's out, and the chickens are fully feathered, then no need to dry them before going back outside.

 

[Mutchi]

Flystrike can happen any time of the year. Bathing chickens is fine, just make sure to use a pet shampoo (if they're REALLY dirty) and warm water. If it's warm outside, the sun's out, and the chickens are fully feathered, then no need to dry them before going back outside.

×2

 

[PippinTheChicken]

Thanks

 

[3KillerBs]

You can trim the feathers around the vent to keep poop from building up. That's probably less traumatic than repeated bathing.

The show forum will certainly be able to give you detailed advice about how to bathe safely and how often it can be done without stripping the natural protective oils off the feathers and doing more harm than good.

(I've been spot washing chick butts these past two days because my new babies have pasty butt (probably from being shipped in hot weather).

 

[aart]

You can trim the feathers around the vent to keep poop from building up. That's probably less traumatic than repeated bathing.

Definitely better to trim than bathe....one(maybe two) and done.

 

[Aapomp831]

If you have to bathe them, use Dawn dish soap and warm water.... only do this if absolutely necessary; trimming is usually the better and easier option.