Coloring Feathers?

[BackyardAnita]

I have seen pictures of blue, pink, purple, green, and all sorts of colors on chickens. The owner would have somehow colored the feathers. I am interested in coloring my chickens feathers for the holiday! If i do, would it be permanent? A month ago i was painting their toe nails for fun and i accidentally got a blue spot on my chickens feather, and it's still not gone. What do i use to color their feathers? (Something that can be washed off)

 

[Kevin565]

Eventually they would molt the feathers if it was stained permanent. Most of the people I know just use food coloring or Kool Aid.

 

[BackyardAnita]

Can food coloring or cool aid be washed off the feathers? Or do i have to wait till they molt

 

[Kevin565]

You should be able to wash out food coloring fairly easily. Kool Aid can be a bit more challenging to get out.

 

[Baymule]

That makes me wish I had a white chicken. I could color each wing a different color, kudos on the legs, back, tail and neck. I could have a chicken that looks like a clown wig!!!

This is now filed in the back of my evil little mind..........white chicken will be added to the flock in next few months. I WILL post pictures!!!

 

[KristyHall]

If you are good with a paint brush and have a patient chicken, you can get child safe, non toxic water washable paint, take a paint brush and paint colors on her. You can get cosmetic, or food grade glitter or pearl dust and dust it on the paint before it dries. You must use food or cosmetic grade only! if it is regular glitter or dust it could hurt the bird.

However, if you paint her, especially if you glitter her, watch her around the other birds and if she is free range put her somewhere with a top. She will be picked on otherwise, or picked off by a predator attracted by the colors and sparkles.

 

[KristyHall]

OOo does anyone have pictures of their painted birds?

 

[BackyardAnita]

Thanks!

I have a white chicken so im excited to color her!
I never thought of glittering chickens but great idea!
Come halloween, my chickens will be running around colored all over! e

 

[Morrow1411]

I remember when they used to dye chicks, and bunnies all sorts of colors with food coloring to sell at Easter time. Food Coloring would work I'm sure, but it's hard to get off. In my teen years I dyed strips of my hair with blue food coloring, and it took about a month or so before I got it all out. I don't know if it can be used on Chickens, but our Walmart has pet paint in the pet section. It comes in a spray can. You might want to check there, or even the petstore.