how to bathe a silkie??

[technodoll]

I just adopted two silkies who have a bit of frizzle in them, such cute girls!

However one is in bad condition, her head and beard were full of dirty dreadlocks that the former owner chopped off, so she's pretty bare right now... both have dirty butts and long nails so I want to bath them and give them pedis for a fresh new start at a good life here.

Any tips, tricks, advice?

Need to scrub the head area the most and am scared of getting shampoo into her eyes

Should I use Johnson's Baby Shampoo?

How warm should the water be?

Kitchen sink ok?

Then towl off, blow-dry on warm not hot setting?

Thank you!!

 

[Elite Silkies]

I would like to know the answer on this too, because I don't think you can get water in their ears. I am afraid to wash their heads.

 

[Lollipop]

Yup, you got the picture. Put a cap full of white vinigar in the water also. Wash the whole bird and use a sponge on their heads.........Pop

 

[technodoll]

OK so a sponge like the ones used to wash dishes?

And baby shampoo, plus the bit of vinegar in the rinse water? (we do this for dogs, it really gets rid of soap residue)

Her head is BADLY matted, it's a bunch of chopped-off poop-encrusted dreadlocks

 

[suburbanchx]

Here's a site:
http://silkiechickens.com/bathing_silkies.htm
They are using a sink, and it tells you how to wash their crest.

 

[lavacaw]

Quote:
Great Site! Think I will try this method on my poopy bantam cochins.

 

[technodoll]

Thanks for the linky!

They use dog shampoo, hmmm I'm quite hesitant to do that...

Will just get the No Tears baby shampoo just in case.

Wish me luck!

 

[suburbanchx]

Quote:
Your welcome! good luck!

 

[77horses]

<<<----Jealous Silkie Wannabe over here!

Here's a really good thread with pictures and everything:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=99105


Good luck!!!

 

[BigSkyChickens]

Sounds like a lot of work! When you blow dry, just be sure to put your hand in the air stream so you can tell if it's the right temp.
Good luck. I'm sure your girls will appreciate the spa treatment.