Dry feather remedy?

[FabulousMandy]

My sex link has very dry feathers. Since her feathers are so dry the dirt really clings to her when she takes a dust bath, and when it rains the poor thing gets pretty soaked (luckily she's smart enough to run into the coop when the rain really starts to come down), so I was wondering if there's anything I can do to help her oil up her feathers. Maybe a bath? I was just looking at a thread where someone gave their chickie a bath and I kind of really want to do it lol. Maybe a little rub down with some type of oil? Avocados? I don't think it's anything that's actually bothering her, but I like my girls to be as happy as possible, and I'm sure she'd appreciate slick feathers.

side note: I'm not worried about it being a sign of disease because she's had dry feathers for quite a long time and she's a very healthy, very active, and very productive little hen. I think maybe laying an egg every single day is probably the problem

.

As always I appreciate any and all little tips and tidbits of advice!

 

[becky3086]

You might try some oil. You might also make sure you check for parasites like mites or lice. I would add some vitamins to her water as well.

 

[dappertophatter]

Check to see if her oil gland near the base of her tail is plugged up- that could be a problem.
I really wouldn't put anything on her feathers- she could be a very sticky chicken, and that's probably not what you want.
A bath and parasite check would help, too.
Good luck (have fun if you give her a bath, don't forget her rubber ducky!

)

 

[chookchick]

How do you tell if a chicken has dry feathers?

 

[FabulousMandy]

Quote:
Instead of the feathers being glossy and sleek they're dull and frayed looking

.

Thanks for the help you guys! I think I'm going to give her a bath and check the oil gland and see if that helps. I've also heard of people spraying on an aerosol oil sheen (like afro sheen) to give show chickens a little extra gloss, but I don't know if I'm comfortable doing that. Seems like it could be a potential health hazard

. If anyone has experience with that let me know!

 

[kman]

i read in one of my books that you can give them cod liver oil in their food to but the shine back in their feathers makes sense to me cause i have done this for dogs and horse really really makes a difference in horses quick, never tried on chickens i think i read it in "storey's guide to raising chickens"

 

[fiberart57]

Try feeding them some BOSS, Black Oil Sunflower Seeds. I give mine some in a homemade scratch and their coats are shiney and glossy except after they've dusted themselves.

Mary