New Pullets- Can I bathe them yet?

[dundeechickens]

I just acquired 3 pullets this week (1 Buff, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Blk Sex Link). The Sex Link has some dried evidence of droppings on her back, I'm guessing from being with her fellow brood- everyone jumping on one another, etc.. It's going to be hot here this weekend and thought it might be a good time to wash them, but wondered if it would just be better to provide them with a dusting area in their run or can I take a damp cloth and an old toothbrush to her feathers? Any suggestions? Thanks.

 

[patandchickens]

You might have a better 'bonding experience' with them, i.e. have better luck getting them to become (and stay) friendly and calm with you, if you nix the bath and just use a damp cloth to wipe the schmutz away

(Or, frankly, leave it there, it'll come off on its own as she dustbathes and preens, it isn't going to kill her

)

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I agree with Pat. A bath right off is not going to win you any brownie points with your hens. I've given two chicken baths in my life. My rooster and one of my hens decided to roll in the pan of coop paint. I got the majority of it off with baths.
On occasion one of my hens will have poop on her first thing in the morning when I let them out of the coop. Left alone, she'll find a nice place to dustbathe during the day and take care of the icky problem herself.

 

[dundeechickens]

Thank you...Good points! I'll try the damp cloth while I'm sitting with them every day.