Washing my chicken

[Frozen]

One of my chickens had some sort of diarrhea at some point and so has residue on her backside feathers. I notice that there seems to be a runny black spots in the coop below the perch where they sleep and I notice an area of feathers missing more towards the sides, so I would like to wash off the feathers and treat topically with MMS.

Any suggestions on how to wash the area. I am new with them and so have no technique on holding them.

I am putting some diatomaceous earth in their feed for 4-5 days or so.

 

[Suzie]

Best to catch her before she comes out of the coop in the morning...choose a warm day if possible.

Before you catch her...it is best to have everything prepared...i.e. a warm bowl of water, scissors. latex gloves and towel..if you have any betadine/iodine it would be a good idea to add some to the water before you place her in there...gently lower her into the warm water by holding her sides and wings securely ...she should realise that this is a nice soothing experience...now lifting one hand press gently on her back...this will free up your other (gloved) hand to begin cleaning her backside. Do not push her down into the water..if she resists you need to reassure her verbally and you can move her legs into an almost sitting position...gently remove any poop and ensure she is clean...wrap her in a towel and if you are able...use a hairdryer on the coolest setting to dry her out...she can be laid on your lap sideways..if she stresses you can put the towel over her head...she will then likely sleep.

I would de-worm her and treat her for any lice/mites problem...a few days after her bath...and do not treat for both at the same time...give it a few days between each treatment.

Scissors will only be needed if she has hard poop stuck to her feathers...do not cut very close to her skin!