Can you bathe a chicken??

[smartie]

Remember to use the concentrate. It is real hard to find. If there is a small infestation then just use the spray.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

OK, I'll look for it, but I just had to Sevin the coop for now. It was getting a little out of control.

 

[smartie]

Instead of using Sevin you can use Diatomaceous Earth. It is pet safe so you can sprinkle some on a chicken. You can also use it to dust the coop. The link below would be for some Diatomaceous Earth


http://www.homedepot.com/buy/outdoors/garden-center/safer-brand/4-lb-diatomaceous-earth-78567.html

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Instead of using Sevin you can use Diatomaceous Earth. It is pet safe so you can sprinkle some on a chicken. You can also use it to dust the coop. The link below would be for some Diatomaceous Earth


http://www.homedepot.com/buy/outdoors/garden-center/safer-brand/4-lb-diatomaceous-earth-78567.html

Yay, Home Depot has it for under $10 too!

I've really wanted to find some DE, but didn't know where to start looking, and everywhere I found it was too expensive. Thank you for that link! I'll stop by Home Depot next time we are in town.

 

[RonC]

You want food grade DE, not the stuff for swimming pools.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

Ok, this stuff looks like it is for gardens.

 

[smartie]

Pet safe DE will work but the link I gave will work fine for the coop

 

[bairo]

Yes, although some chickens really, really hate baths.

Fill up a utility sink or bath tub with about 6 to 8 inches (depending on how big she is, right to the bottom of her wings should be good) of warm water. If you can stick your elbow in and it is comfortable it is good. Put some dawn or baby shampoo in (I heard flea and tick shampoo works really good against lice and mites on them too) and get it really sudsy. Slowly lower her in and hold her back (don't let the bubbles get in her eyes) and turn on the sprayer. If you don't have a sprayer fill up a cup of soapy water and pour it on her back. Really work it in. Then drain the soapy water and spray (or pour) her with some clean water. Wrap her in a towel and dry her off as much as possible. You could blow dry her (although some people say don't on close feathered breeds, I've never had a problem) or in this heat you could just put her in an empty, clean dog crate and let her air dry outside.

Good luck!

x2
All mine I have ever given a bath too, practically fall asleep. I think I would use baby shampoo or puppy flea shampoo though and not dawn (it strips all the oils out of the skin and could irritate her)

 

[bairo]

If your having a mite/lice/flea problem you can click on "my coop" and scroll down to the section on how to get bug free and stay that way. I am not a huge believer in DE btw....just my opinion

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

x2
All mine I have ever given a bath too, practically fall asleep. I think I would use baby shampoo or puppy flea shampoo though and not dawn (it strips all the oils out of the skin and could irritate her)

It seems fine as long as it is not used a lot (I only give them baths when they get into the spaghetti sauce), but I definitely wouldn't use it on any bird that gets baths a lot. I also use just a little bit to get some big bubbles going, then do the rest shampoo. It ends up about a 25/75 ratio. It is really the best for getting rid of any lice or bugs.

We had one Barred Rock that was really shy, but loved baths. Sophie just absolutely hates baths. I have tried so hard to make it easier for her, but she refuses to take one.