how in the heck do you keep white chickens clean looking?

[azurbanclucker]

Is there a magical secret to it? My Delaware is a dingy whitish-brown for the dust baths she takes.

 

[MrPepers]

They keep themselves clean as long as their pen isn't muddy.

 

[azurbanclucker]

I guess until it monsoons on them. Mud typically is not an issue we face in the desert, but point taken.

 

[andreanar]

I have 1 all white pullet and she is always clean. I have no idea how! She will look dirty after a dirt bath, but after she shakes off, shes sparkly clean again!

 

[aldarita]

I have three very light color hens (white) that get their feathers tan color throughout the year and it is because of the dirt I got in their dusting boxes which is brown, unfortunately I bought a whole truck load of it before I realize this would happen and I still have plenty. Every year after they molt I get to see how beautiful their white feathers are until they turn tan color again so I enjoy seeing them while it lasts.

 

[Chickassan]

You sure she doesn't just have tan feathers? I thought my delaware was dingy but she actually did have some tan on her head and neck. Her son came out like that too.

 

[aldarita]

They definitely have white feathers, they are Splash Andalusians and I get to see all their feathers white (with few gray ones) right after their molt when the new feathers are out.

 

[alexa009]

Dust bathing usually cleans my chickens except for my delaware. She has a bundle of feathers which might be the problem. All of the dust probably doesn't come out. Delaware feathers aren't super clean either.

 

[azurbanclucker]

You sure she doesn't just have tan feathers? I thought my delaware was dingy but she actually did have some tan on her head and neck. Her son came out like that too.

White as fresh snow usually. The sun has yellowed her tips out a bit in places but she's still white. Well, right now she's brown and filthy, but that's mostly because she's locked in a cage in the house fighting off a scorpion sting.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I have 1 all white pullet and she is always clean. I have no idea how! She will look dirty after a dirt bath, but after she shakes off, shes sparkly clean again! View attachment 1092456

Chickens preens their feathers with the oil in their Popes nose while using their beaks to position the feather barbs to lock together and create an umbrella of feathers. If a hen or rooster is properly housed a simple shake like mentioned above is all that is required.