Silkie thread!

[Lacy Blues]

Really? I have never heard that before. I don't know if I would use vinegar as it is an acid (weak I know, but still). You can try anything you want... just pay real close attention to the results.

 

[PaintedFeathers]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the use of Dawn on your chickens. It strips the oil completely off of a crusty pan. What might happen to your chickens' feathers if you were to use this product?

When I bathe mine, I use either the pet shampoo or baby shampoo. It doesn't strip/dry the feathers.

In the end though, it is your bird and up to you.

Baby shampoo is also very harsh. My hair stylist told me that it is harsher than adult shampoo because babies have more oily build up than adults.

I have been told in the past to use Ivory dish soap and rinse with vinegar for my Great Pyrenees, how do you think that would be for silkies?

Really? I have never heard that before. I don't know if I would use vinegar as it is an acid (weak I know, but still). You can try anything you want... just pay real close attention to the results.

Dawn is what almost every big chicken breeder and shower uses to bathe their birds before a show. Personally I prefer dog shampoo but dawn will not harm your birds. It does get diluted though in your wash water so it isn't as strong. You need it if your bird has a lot of waxy featherings though so they come off. As for using vinegar, you also need that. You dilute it a lot in water, I use 2 tablespoons per gallon. But it cuts through any extra soap that may still be on the bird. It also conditions the feathers.

here is my step by step tutorial: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/752452/grooming-silkies-for-show/30#post_10987972

 

[racuda]

I have this white pullet: She lays eggs that have raspberry tinted spots:

Out of 14 eggs, these six were not fertile and the other eight are developing nicely. Why would there be such a high infertility rate? I've had fertility issues in the past which I suspect were caused by too much fluff, but in that case no eggs were fertile until I trimmed the birds.

 

[Sanna]

He looked fabulous!

Thank you!
I'm happy with how everything turned out.

This cat is great! lol

I'm afraid I have to disagree with the use of Dawn on your chickens. It strips the oil completely off of a crusty pan. What might happen to your chickens' feathers if you were to use this product?

When I bathe mine, I use either the pet shampoo or baby shampoo. It doesn't strip/dry the feathers.

In the end though, it is your bird and up to you.

Baby shampoo is also very harsh. My hair stylist told me that it is harsher than adult shampoo because babies have more oily build up than adults.

I have been told in the past to use Ivory dish soap and rinse with vinegar for my Great Pyrenees, how do you think that would be for silkies?

I agree with PaintedFeathers.
The Dawn cuts through the wax on the feathers and of course you don't want any waxy feathers on a Silkie if you plan on showing. And you really don't need a lot of shampoo to get a nice clean bird.
A bird with regular feathers, you would bathe them a few days before the show, so the natural oils will have plenty of time to come back and your bird will look nice and shiny again.
Also, the vinegar makes a difference. Cuts through the soap that might have been left behind. I think it gives a really nice, clean feel in the end.

I have this white pullet: She lays eggs that have raspberry tinted spots:

Out of 14 eggs, these six were not fertile and the other eight are developing nicely. Why would there be such a high infertility rate? I've had fertility issues in the past which I suspect were caused by too much fluff, but in that case no eggs were fertile until I trimmed the birds.

Cute little pullet.

How much fluff did you trim? Did you trim both, your girl and the rooster? How old is your rooster?

 

[racuda]

Quote: I trimmed about two inches of fluff from around the vents of the girls and also the two roosters. One of the boys is almost four years old and the other one is about 18 months old.

 

[peepblessed]

I have this white pullet: She lays eggs that have raspberry tinted spots:

Out of 14 eggs, these six were not fertile and the other eight are developing nicely. Why would there be such a high infertility rate? I've had fertility issues in the past which I suspect were caused by too much fluff, but in that case no eggs were fertile until I trimmed the birds.

I trimmed about two inches of fluff from around the vents of the girls and also the two roosters. One of the boys is almost four years old and the other one is about 18 months old.

I have one that lays speckled eggs like this and one that lays eggs with white speckles. Very puzzling about your fertility issue...

 

[Lisa and girls]

I am not a big fan of cats but this one ROCKS!!! Looks like lots of personality!

 

[SilkieMom8875]

Coop is in place and the babies spent their first night in it last night. It's still a little cold so we did put the heat lamp on them. Idk when it will warm up I hope soon !

 

[chicknlove]

Haha, that's awesome! This cat should have it's own calendar!

 

[Blair75214]

My first batch of silkies hatch on Sunday. I have a dozen in the incubator, along with a dozen bantam & standard cochin. Anyone have advice on hatching? (To help with the hatch? How to detect a hatch in need? etc) I'm so nervous/excited/anxious!! Thanks!