Very dirty feathers

[black_cat]

I have four birds that are all currently being treated for scaly leg mites. Tillie (white leghorn) gets the vaseline on her feathers while sleeping, and dirt sticks to her. SHe's now super dirty and the dirt won't come of when she shakes- how can I clean her up? I don't have a picture atm but I can get one later today.

 

[Mutchi]

Why exactly are you putting Vaseline on her feathers again?

 

[black_cat]

Why exactly are you putting Vaseline on her feathers again?

I'm putting vaseline on her legs to suffocate scaly leg mites. She then sits on her legs to sleep and the vaseline gets on her feathers. No idea how she gets in on her wings, though. I'm also doing this on my RSLs, but they're not having the same issue (I've checked).
Or it could be caused by something else??

 

[3KillerBs]

Does she have constant access to a dust bath?

Over time the dust should take the grease out of her feathers, but if you have clay dirt it *might* leave a stain that will last until her next molt.

 

[3KillerBs]

No idea how she gets in on her wings, though. I'm also doing this on my RSLs, but they're not having the same issue (I've checked).

White chickens are inventive about finding new ways to get dirty.

 

[black_cat]

Does she have constant access to a dust bath?

Over time the dust should take the grease out of her feathers, but if you have clay dirt it *might* leave a stain that will last until her next molt.

All of the dirt under their coop is loose and stays dry 24/7, and I've seen what I presume are dust bathing holes in it, but maybe just digging holes?

 

[black_cat]

White chickens are inventive about finding new ways to get dirty.

True!

 

[3KillerBs]

All of the dirt under their coop is loose and stays dry 24/7, and I've seen what I presume are dust bathing holes in it, but maybe just digging holes?

She'll eventually manage to get all the grease off then. Being dirty is probably less traumatic than bathing her.

 

[black_cat]

She'll eventually manage to get all the grease off then. Being dirty is probably less traumatic than bathing her.

They've been getting epsom salt leg baths and they are nOt thrilled, so I can't imagine giving my most skittish chicken a real bath lol

 

[demonic]

I have four birds that are all currently being treated for scaly leg mites. Tillie (white leghorn) gets the vaseline on her feathers while sleeping, and dirt sticks to her. SHe's now super dirty and the dirt won't come of when she shakes- how can I clean her up? I don't have a picture atm but I can get one later today.

Are you sure it’s dirt? Or maybe poop matted around her vent? Poop matted around a vent of a chicken is a sign of mites and lice. If it’s just dirt I think she’ll manage to get it off with acess to a dust bath