Need Input on Color dying Silkie

[bncranch]

I have a cute little white silkie, Easter just passed and I am wondering about this color dying your chicken. First off, is it harmful to my chicken and I live in Florida, is it illegal to do this. It seems cute and cool, but don't want to harm my animal in any way. All input is appreciated.

 

[ejtrout31]

Following!

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I know there are dyes that are animal friendly out there. I don't know anything about them as I don't think, personally, that its something that should be done. My personal opinion... but yes, there are animal safe dyes out there.

 

[intownlimits]

Why would dying a chicken need to be done? Aesthetically pleasing?

 

[Newbie_Chicken_Lady]

I have seen some people dying their chickens with food dye. They wash the chicken in warm water, then carefully put some food coloring on a CLEAN toothbrush and brush the entire bird. Then they just blow dry and the chicken is good to go.

 

[Frazzemrat1]

I will add this much. If you do decide to dye your bird; if you choose bright colors AND let your chicken be a chicken in your yard, they will stand out more to predators. I would keep them contained until the dye either came off, or you washed it off.

 

[freedom chick]

I dyed mine. Food coloring and a toothbrush. I had to tell the boys from the girls so I could take them to a farm. They were 9 weeks old. It didn’t hurt them. The other chickens were curious about it but left them alone. The chicks were not super happy with me so I was glad I made it quick. They got spot bathed (silkies get pooped on occasionally) and marked but I don’t think I would do their whole bodies.
My husband and I were even going to do a spoof gender reveal on Facebook. We have 5 children so we thought we would stir up some laughs.
It’s a girl!
It’s a boy!
(we already have twins)

 

[Newbie_Chicken_Lady]

It is nice you only did the heads. Looks cute!

 

[freedom chick]

It is nice you only did the heads. Looks cute!

Thanks
Made it easier to sort boy girl boy boy girl boy...
visually it made the job easier.

 

[Tortoise]

My opinion it should not be done! It's of no use to the animal only wrong enjoyment for humans!