Vicks Vapor Rub

[cottagechick]

The lady at the feed store suggested that I put Vicks on my little Polish Bantams head to discourage pecking it. What to you think...brillant or incredibly stupid idea?
Thanks,
Julie

 

[azygous]

Vicks has a similar ingredient that preparations such as Rooster-Booster Pick-no-more have that are sold to discourage unwanted pecking. It shouldn't harm them, but it may or may not work. Depending on the individual chick, some are easily discouraged, while others seem to be "hard-wired" to cause mayhem.

If you have a chick that has been pecked to the point of causing an open wound, a better solution would be painting Blu-kote on the wound. It will help heal it while disguising the wound.

I've found that Vicks and Pick-no-more are not all that effective, while causing a greasy mess. Blu-kote stains but it's a far more effective solution. Chickens are attracted to anything bright red, but painting it blue renders it neutral and they usually lose interest.

 

[erinszoo]

Be careful about using any ointment that is petroleum based on your birds and not water soluble. It will stick in the feathers and can then rot causing an awful mess.

 

[cottagechick]

Quote:
I am trying to see a bigger picture of your avatar without success. What is it?

 

[Eznet2u]

Quote:
It looks to be a Chicken that just got out of the shower. (It's Nekkid)

 

[danischi24]

Looks like a turkey poult to me.