Washing chickens-Update! 7/25, Showing day!

[ninny]

I always washed my guys in the kitchen sink with the spray nozzle then blow dryed. Do you have a friend's house you could wash them at?

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I could try and ask a friend.

We'll see how that goes.

Here are pictures from her yesterday. She still gets a bit nervous when I go to hold her but I'm trying my best to dismiss that behavior. I am worried about her feathers, though. Some of the ones that I didn't get all of the soap out of are now stringy and remind me of split ends in human hair. I've tried to go over them with a washcloth (when my pullet lets me) but I'm pretty sure they are ruined forever. You can see the start of them in the first picture.

These damaged feathers are on the other side, at the base of the wing and a bit above it, on the side of her back. There were also parts around her chest and beard that were damaged, but I've done all that can be done with those areas. And they don't look as bad. Is there anything I can do for her feathers? Or is it a lost cause?

 

[Pathfinders]

Quote:
My pleasure. Best of luck with showing, and don't hesitate to ask if you have any more questions!

 

[Pathfinders]

Feathers that are actually damaged (as opposed to just gunky), cannot be fixed. Feathers that are gunky can be fixed by washing again (which I know you can't do), or using a wet washcloth (as you said you're doing.)

Maybe you can get your mom on here and we can talk her into letting you wash your birds inside again!

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

My mom really isn't into the chickens-caretaking thing. For now, I'm still trying to win her over with those day-to-day little chores I'm now doing.

Rosaline (my pullet) will be kept inside, in the basement, until the fair comes, to reduce messes. By the time I'll have to bathe her, I'm sure her feet will be the only parts that need help. And that I can manage with little chance of her freaking out on me again.

It's a shame about the feathers. I wasn't expecting her to win, anyway, but it's still a shame. Her feathers don't feel gunky, just somewhat hard and thick. I'm going to put the hose outside on a mild setting and only spray the top layer of her feathers. We'll see what that does. I'll also try the washcloth again as it did do something for the less-damaged (but still damaged) feathers.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Vinegar in the water helps remove soap. On a warm to hot day, fill a large pail with very warm water and add vinegar. Take it outside, along with a towel for drying. Simply put her in to rinse. Since you're only rinsing and not doing a full wash, the water should maintain the necessary heat to keep her from being chilled. Make sure to keep her head well above the water. If necessary, use your hand or a small cup to pour water on her head/shoulders.

Run your fingers through her feathers, particularly in the areas you feel were not well rinsed, being careful to not damage feathers. Take her out of the pail and let her drip dry for a bit, then wrap her in the towel to remove as much moisture as possible.

If the feathers are truly being damaged, pluck them. It will take about 6 weeks for a new feather to grow in completely.

 

[Pathfinders]

Good idea about the vinegar, it does cut soap well!

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I will do that! Thanks! Is there any proper amount of vinegar I should add to the water?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Not really--I am not one to make exact measures for most things (medicine excepted)--I typically eyeball it, then sometimes add a bit more. Maybe a 1/4 cup for a 3 gal. bucket.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Awesome! Thanks!