Showing white chickens

[Majestic Lane Poultry]

Quote:

 

[7961]

Quote:
Most species of birds actually have a poor sense of smell. Chickens are not ones who have a strong sense of smell. There are birds who rely on smell to aid in their seeking out food like for example many carion eating birds, orioles and humming birds have a more prominent sense of smell than do other bird species.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Quote:
Most species of birds actually have a poor sense of smell. Chickens are not ones who have a strong sense of smell. There are birds who rely on smell to aid in their seeking out food like for example many carion eating birds, orioles and humming birds have a more prominent sense of smell than do other bird species.

It's not that birds are sensitive to the odors themselves, but rather that many odors, in particular strong or offensive odors, indicate the presence of fumes and/or toxins. Birds are sensitive to ammonia fumes. Just like in humans, they can cause damage to the birds sensitive respiratory system. And because of the way they are built, birds are so very sensitive and ammonia fumes will cause damage much more quickly than they can in humans. Personally I would avoid using ammonia directly on birds regardless of how dilute it is for this very reason. I would also be very wary of using ammonia to clean a bird's cage/coop unless there is a way to let it air out in a very well ventilated area for several hours before returning the bird.

 

[KristenG]

Birds do have a very sensitive lung system. However, my little white hen was no worse for the wear. I think perhaps it was due to the fact where in a well ventilated location (exhaust fans), she was exposed to it briefly and in very low concentration. It is when it becomes chronic and/or concentrated exposure that you really have a problem. That said I do not blame somebody for being a bit extra cautious.
Thanks for all the help. I haven't shown my whites recently but next time I do I think I might find me some of that cowboy magic - and maybe give them deep sawdust bedding instead of heavy shavings that don't absorb as quickly.
Kristen

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Most species of birds actually have a poor sense of smell. Chickens are not ones who have a strong sense of smell. There are birds who rely on smell to aid in their seeking out food like for example many carion eating birds, orioles and humming birds have a more prominent sense of smell than do other bird species.

Not the smell, but the fumes. One cannot "smell" teflon, but the fumes it creates have been know to kill birds.

 

[GoldenPuppy]

I'm surprised when people say they use things like bleach or ammonia on animals, even when diluted. If I wouldn't put it on my skin or in my hair, there's no way I'd put it on an animal.

Orvus Paste Shampoo should get any animal clean and white. It is safe to use.
# A near-neutral pH, synthetic surfactant and wetting agent with excellent detergency, emulsifying and dispersing properties.
# Great on manure stains.
# Nonirritating formula will not discolor dyes.

Horse owners use Orvus and you can get it on-line. http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=30e07b7d-7b6a-11d5-a192-00b0d0204ae5

 

[bantyhen'sfriend]

I show white rock bantams, and I have been told not to use any "blue" shampoo because it will stain, either blue or a yellowish tint, unless you get *all* the residues out, so you must be very careful with those.

Ivory dish soap is the one most reccommended, especially if you let the chooks sit in the sun while sudsed up for a couple minutes before rinsing. A rinse with vinegar cuts the soap the best. After bathing, air dry in a cage with lots of shavings and a clean perch overnight.

I have found that wire bottomed cages won't let the firm poops fall through, and my white birds always get dirty from the goo left over from a messy poop falling through the cage bottom. Wire also breaks off feathers if the birds flap (more of a problem with males).

Black feathers have not been much of a problem for me. 6-8 weeks before a show, pull speckled/spotted feathers from the wings or tail and pray they grow back in white. While washing, get any dark ones in the body/hackle you missed before. I have noticed that my birds with a bit more black flecks also have a more vibrant white color, while the birds from a different breeder and less black are a duller white and not as much shine to their plumage.

 

[Inkheart]

fascinating - thanks !