Might be a stupid question but...

[Bnemeth]

Do you wash your ducks before a show? If so, do you have to wait a certain amount of time for their oil to build back up before they can go in the water? Thanks

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Most people I know that show ducks take them to the show in a rubbermaid container with air holes cut out near the top, the lid on and about half filled with water.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I don't show my ducks, but I would probably only wash them with warm water and maybe just a few drops of baby shampoo under the tail. That way you won't wash off the natural oils much.

 

[ChickenHeaven]

I dont know about ducks because i do chickens but i do know for chickens you have to wait around 1or so days hope i helped!

 

[SunnyCalifornia]

Quote:
I was told 3 days to re-oil for chickens. So I washed my birds Monday for a show on Thursday, I'm sure I'll have to re-do their feet tomorrow. I would think that ducks would be similar as far as re-oiling themselves. The water containers mentioned probably help keep them clean in transport.

I'll tell you though, that after the show, my birds CAN'T WAIT to roll in the dirt!! I don't think they like being clean.

They just don't know how pretty they look.....

 

[fowlman01]

Ducks will clean themselves. Put them in the shower or a bathtub for about 15 minutes with just enough water to splash around in. Don't use any kind of soap.

Walt

 

[greenegglover]

I know the 4-H requires birds to be washed in Dawn dish soap, just check with event holder to find out rules and requirements!

 

[fowlman01]

Quote:
There is no such requirement here in CA. 4H just wants to see a clean bird, but it is not a good idea to wash ducks or any other kind of waterfowl. I have shown waterfowl for over 40 years with a great deal of success and have never washed a duck with soap. I wash some chickens (white ones) with soap, but washing ducks removes the oil from the feathers and they can't go back to a pond until that is replaced in a few weeks.

Walt