Feathered feet cleaning?

[thecatumbrella]

We use horse bedding pellets in all of our coops and hutches. That might be helping the clean feet issue as they dry out the poops. I never thought of it. That wasn't why we use them though, it's because they are inexepensive, remove odors and moisture, and virtually maintenance free. Even in the brooders. Albeit the first few days we put down paper towels for the newly hatched, but after that it's just pellets.

I want to try these so bad (even have an unopened bag in my basement), but I know the girls will start stuffing their faces with them.

I feel like I have to try it with a fresh batch of chicks... or just be brave and go for it!

 

[Debbie292d]

I want to try these so bad (even have an unopened bag in my basement), but I know the girls will start stuffing their faces with them.

I feel like I have to try it with a fresh batch of chicks... or just be brave and go for it!

Every chick and chicken tries them, just like they do with other bedding, but in nearing a decade, never a single issue. (Just silkies here too, so not the brightest bulbs out there.)

 

[ChickenChick46]

Pellets are $8 for 40# and our brooders take less than 1/2 a bag. If I sell the chicks, I'll leave the same pellets in there. Otherwise, those I change out every couple of batches. If one side is dirtier than the other, I just mix them around with my hand. No chance of cocciodosis either as the poop is dried out.

View attachment 4192727

I'm going to check this out at TSC this weekend! Thank you so much!!

 

[SkyAJK]

I regularly trim my Pekin bantam feet, it is easier for them to walk and also avoid poops and whatever else sticking on those feather.

I shorten their feet feather to a certain length for comfort, not trim all the way to their skin.

 

[ChickenChick46]

I regularly trim my Pekin bantam feet, it is easier for them to walk and also avoid poops and whatever else sticking on those feather.

I shorten their feet feather to a certain length for comfort, not trim all the way to their skin.

This d'Uccle is going to have some serious feathers, I think. I'll be keeping a close eye on them.

 

[SnackMeat]

(Just silkies here too, so not the brightest bulbs out there.)

I'm still not convinced they're not playing the long con...

 

[s1a2b3]

I must be doing something wrong, because this has not been my experience since the bantams left the brooder. No one else seems to have this problem!

I'm guessing it depends on the breed. My d'Uccle is only moderately feather-footed, and she does fine. The Cochin Bantams practically have fishing nets on their legs and feet; they tangle anything organic, including mulch and poo. It doesn't seem to matter how clean and dry their run is.

I strongly recommend getting a pair of children's safety haircutting scissors (this is what I bought). Hopefully you never have to use them, but mine have been invaluable and much less stressful on the Cochins than weekly foot baths. Do be very mindful where you're snipping to avoid any blood-filled quills. Edit: I only trim the down around whatever is tangled.

Almost all cochins of any breed have feathered feet
it is actually quite funny looking. lol

 

[ChickenChick46]

Almost all cochins of any breed have feathered feet
it is actually quite funny looking. lol

My cochin's foot feathers are growing quickly, but my d'Uccle? Man, he could mop my floor!