Polish crest help

[Sunny-Side Up]

I have a Polish chicken, and I feel really bad... She can hardly see anything, and her crest is creating so many problems. Is it possible to trim it, pull it back into something like a ponytail, or anything else? How would I do that? What have you other crested bird owners done? I also have a Silkie, but her afro hasn't developed yet. Thanks!

 

[GldnValleyHens]

So, you can take a strip of masking tape, the blue stuff used for painting walls. Gently take her crest with one hand, and wrap the tape around the base, making sure it is snug but not too tight. Also, don't let the tape cover her eyes, make sure it is on the feathers. I don't have a picture of this process/technique, but try googling it. This will keep her crest out of her eyes, and she will be able to see. Every now and then take the tape off to let everything just ....breathe.....

 

[Sunny-Side Up]

So, you can take a strip of masking tape, the blue stuff used for painting walls. Gently take her crest with one hand, and wrap the tape around the base, making sure it is snug but not too tight. Also, don't let the tape cover her eyes, make sure it is on the feathers. I don't have a picture of this process/technique, but try googling it. This will keep her crest out of her eyes, and she will be able to see. Every now and then take the tape off to let everything just ....breathe.....

Thanks! Will the tape damage her feathers when I take it off?

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Thanks! Will the tape damage her feathers when I take it off?

I don't believe so, if you peel it off gently. I can see it leaving some residue, perhaps, but it is designed to be gentle on painted walls, not like duct tape, so I'm sure it will be okay.

 

[Deryk]

Had to laugh when I read this...sorry. Have you thought of maybe just a hair tie that isn't to tight?

Funny story, last summer my polish roo was strutting around near the pool as I cleaned it. The hens like to catch the various bugs/spiders I throw out of the water each morning. Anyway, he was strutting around crowing and calling them to food like he always does then in the next moment I watch him walk directly towards the pool and off the side into the water. His feathers were a mess in his eyes and I guess he just couldn't see...it was pretty funny watching him get out.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Aw, poor birds. Must be hard not being able to see anything.
I've seen pictures of Polish chickens with the masking tape 'headbands'. It makes them look like they have a chef's hat on. I'm sure you could also trim the offending feathers off if you didn't intend to use them as show birds.

 

[Deryk]

Aw, poor birds. Must be hard not being able to see anything.
I've seen pictures of Polish chickens with the masking tape 'headbands'. It makes them look like they have a chef's hat on. I'm sure you could also trim the offending feathers off if you didn't intend to use them as show birds.

Actually with the exception of the one incident in the pool mine have no issues with their sight. Even when they get wet in the rain they just look like little Rod Stewart chickens running around but I don't worry about their ability to see.

 

[GldnValleyHens]

Had to laugh when I read this...sorry. Have you thought of maybe just a hair tie that isn't to tight?

Funny story, last summer my polish roo was strutting around near the pool as I cleaned it. The hens like to catch the various bugs/spiders I throw out of the water each morning. Anyway, he was strutting around crowing and calling them to food like he always does then in the next moment I watch him walk directly towards the pool and off the side into the water. His feathers were a mess in his eyes and I guess he just couldn't see...it was pretty funny watching him get out.

I can picture him stepping off and plunging into the water! That is soooooooo funny!

 

[Sunny-Side Up]

Thanks for all your replies! I now have hope for my poor little bird!