So embarassed... I think I traumatized my pullet.

[Lostbody]

Long story short: one of my girls got trapped under an upturned tupperware and I wasn't found for TWO WHOLE DAYS!

When we got her out she was soaked (in H2O from her own breath?), caked with poo, and unquenchably thirsty. I had to take the food and water out of the brooder eventually because I thought she might hurt herself -- you know, the way they say pidgeons will eat rice at a wedding and keep eating untill they explode.

I rinsed her off and towel dried her that night, but her feathers still smell a little funky. It's been another two days since she was found... would another bath help? What kind of soap is safe for young'ns? What about a dust bath with DE?

 

[lacasitarojafarm]

Give her a nice warm bath to make up. You can dry her inside or with a blower on low. We did that by accident (well not for 2 days just one workday) with our chicks when they were small.

 

[Lostbody]

Just water? Or should I use glycerine soap?

 

[teach1rusl]

Mild dishwashing liquid or any mild shampoo (even pet shampoo) should work just fine...

 

[azygous]

I like to use that bubble bath for kiddies - the mild formula, no tears. You soak them in the warm suds and don't even need to rinse. Works great on bathing chickens of all ages, or even just a touch-up soak for crusty bums.

So glad you found her!

 

[Lostbody]

I'd never bathed a chicken before, but she was so into it, and so cute... I gave the other girls baths, too.
I can't believe I've never tried this before. Bathing chickens is so entertaining.
I guess The Steve Miller Band was right...
"Everything's better when wet!"