Chicken Spa Day Ahead!

[ChicksnWine]

I have a group of 2 yr old beautiful friendly clunkers, and other than occasionally having to do some butt clean ups, i have been fortunate enough to NOT have pests such as mites or lice.. I have been holding and cuddling a lot with them lately and have been noting just how dry their combs and waddles are.. so I thought I might do a nice little spa day for them before the winter quickly depends upon us and it rains everyday (Im in the PNW). Would it, or should it be standard practice to add something like premethrin to their baths? To keep bugs like this at bay? Or is standard water baths ok with a small amount of soap and water? Maybe some herbs? They will look like chickens in a stew pot? Also, should I be bathing them more frequently? And any ideas on things to help with their dry feet and combs? I figure it will be a good day to assess them as well.. thanks for listening!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Chickens don't need to be bathed (only exception is probably show birds, or if a bird gets into something potentially dangerous/toxic) and unless there's a reason for treatment combs and wattles are probably best left alone. Dry feet are actually a good thing, it's moisture that can contribute to issues like bumblefoot.

Permethrin does absolutely nothing if you don't have a pest problem, it's not a pretreatment. It only treats active infestations.

Best thing as far as cleanliness and pest prevention is to provide a suitable dust bath if the birds are penned and unable to create one for themselves.

 

[ChicksnWine]

Ohhh they have dust bathes galore.. they have destroyed all landscaped areas to suit their dust bathing needs seperate from their dust bath in their run They are free ranging on over a half acre with my dogs as their protectors... also good to know about the permethrin.. I have not seen any signs of mites or lice, but I am always concerned I am maybe missing seeing them, as I see so many posts about how prevalent they are. I am relieved to know about the dry skin, given bumble foot is the absolute last thing I want to invite in any way! Thank you for responding!