Chickens got into paint

[KAKBucks]

I put my layers in their new coop/run yesterday sooner than expected because of broody hens and things. I hadn't cleared out all of the construction supplies. I thought I got out all the unsafe stuff, but other things were still in the coop. I went out this morning and they had tipped over and somehow opened the can of paint. I now have 10 chickens covered in white paint. It's an oil based water clean up latex barn paint marketed by lowe's. I don't care if they all look white until they molt or the paint wears off if it's not going to hurt them, but I thought I'd ask for your collective wisdom.

Should I bathe all these birds tonight? (which will NOT be a fun prospect, let me tell you!) If so, should I use kitchen soap (palmolive) or something else?

Thanks!

Kendra

PS Please say they're fine, please say they're fine, please say they're fine!

 

[keljonma]

If they were my birds, I'd wash them immediately. Of course, that means you also have to dry them and keep them in a draft free environment until they are dry. Or get out the hair dryer.

 

[Davaroo]

Naw. Call them "yard confetti" and enjoy the show.

The paint will wear off in time.

 

[Daycare Mom]

I'd let them wear it off, unless you are bored and really like to bathe your chickens.

 

[MissPrissy]

I agree with Davaroo.

 

[mypicklebird]

If the paint is dry, I think it will be next to impossible to get off unless you use solvents- which is not a good idea! you will have silly looking chickens until it flakes off or they molt...
I suppose they might eat some of the flakes, but I can't see a way to prevent that easily. Good thing it wasn't old lead paint!

Now if the paint was still actually wet when you found them- a good soapy scrub with lots of water (since you said it was water clean up) might actually be useful, if not fun...
jess

 

[Moonwalker]

Peanut butter rubbed into fur or feathers will get out oil based paint if it is wet or partially dried but once it's dry there's not much you can do.
I would check carefullt to make sure all eyes, nostrils, ears and vents are clear(clip if you have to) and that they can move wings easily. Over the next few days keep an eye out for sores where they may be pulling feathers that are stuck together.(kinda like hairballs in dogs or cats) If this happens, clip all the feathers that are tugging.

 

[silkiechicken]

If it's dry I'd leave it be. I have this black sexlink hen who managed to wear red paint two years in a row. First year she decided to go under a wet red door and was spotted red on her back till moult. Right after mount with shiny new feathers... she walked too close to the fresh red paint on a side of a building... and sported red till she moulted again.

Of course, if they are drenched in white though, getting some off might help if it impededes feather movement or covers vitals.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Hehe... my little black sex-linked is currently black... and sage green. She got too close to the garage after we'd painted it recently.

My dainty little cochin had it on her beak.

The barred rock & RIR both had a few dabs on them.

Silly birds - just trying to put on a little makeup!

 

[ozark hen]

Anyway you could get them to roll around on dark colored paper and sell the "paintings"?

Go with Dave on this one.