Wet headed chicken

[Arcnadius]

A friend of mine has a sister that is new to chicken raising. She's having trouble with one of her hens, a silkie, I think. The hen dips her head in water causing her feathers to cover her eyes like bangs. The water then freezes the feathers into that shape so she can't see very well. The other hens pick on her because of it. Is this behavior normal, and is there anything my friend's sister can do to stop it?

 

[sonew123]

a tiny rubberband for the poof? trim back the poof? place the waterer at shoulder height for the bird so her head and fluff dont dip into water?? Ive done all those things and they all work great

 

[Arcnadius]

I'll have her raise the water dish. Great idea! She did try trimming the bangs, but the silly bird keeps dipping her head in the water. Reminds me of that toy I had as a kid; a bird on a pivot that keeps dipping its beak in a glass of water.

 

[sonew123]

Quote:
yes!!! my polish girl is FAMOUS for wet heads-I dont care except in Winter:-( so the water bowls go up-and sometimes hair ties go in! good luck