Washing Chickens?

[Bo Garrett]

I have been showing for many years, I use horse shampoo with lanolin so the oils do not get stripped from the feathers and cause the web of the feather to frizzle. I soak them in warm water first to loosen any feces/dirt then lather and soak, rinse, wrap in a towel and later blow dry. I do not blow dry hard feathered birds only the cochins. White birds get the same treatment only they get an extra step prior to rinsing with a horse whitening shampoo only in a small amount and always lathered in the hands first before applying to the birds feathers, otherwise you'll have a blue or purple bird. Once lathered thoroughly with the whitening shampoo I rinse immediately to prevent a blue/purple color and place them in the sun to dry, this will enhance the whitening.
Clean legs and trim nails and beak if necessary and finally at the show place VetRx on the comb and wattles to make them bright red and also helps with respiration.
All this said, if you didn't start months before the show with internal and external parasite control and keeping bedding clean then you'll be preparing a sub-standard specimen that will not perform well at the show, which will be a disappointment to you.

Blessings,

Bo

 

[cmom]

I agree. I never used a horse whitening shampoo on my white birds but will try. I use the people silver whitening shampoo. Does make them whiter. The first show here is in October. Getting ready.