What kind of soap for chicken bath time?

[frankenchick]

I guess I'd use a little Shaklee Basic H.

The girls have been doing a pretty good job of cleaning themselves, usually in one of our Lab/Bull Terrier's holes!

 

[BlueMoon]

I've been playing vet and a bath is the way I start. Chickens surprisingly seem to like it, especially if they're overly soiled or maybe it's just the warmth or the ease of standing without using full strength.
regardless, it's been the first step in exploration of problems.

And i blow dry them too. That takes a while and they don't much care for it.

 

[countyroad1330]

I was going to ask if they liked being bathed, thanks bluemoon. Do you guys handle your birds alot, other than bathing? I'm a little nervous about how well bathing is going to work *ha*

 

[Layin Eggs]

Ummm....how does one bathe a chicken...I assumesd they would peck and flap around?

ps: I do know how to Dress a chicken though:

 

[BlueMoon]

Maybe "like" isn't the best word - they don't seem to mind and will stay in the water without flapping about for awhile. And I do handle mine alot.

What works here is filling a utility sink, which is big and deep, with very warm water (though I'd probably use cooler water if it was really hot out or the bird felt feverish) and detergent. Water is deep enough so that the top of the birds back is just covered - I like the make sure they can comfortably stand.

A cup is handy for moving water around and an old nail brush is good for getting poop off the feathers.

When the bath part ends, I scoop the bird up in a towel, dry a bit, and then use another towel to hold her in place whilst I blow dry. And never blow dry to close or on too hot setting! They seem to have very sensitive skin.

Now, this is just my made up on the spot technique that I've used for about six weeks and on five birds. There's invariably room for improvement.

They do look stunning, all cleaned up. By the next day, you won't have much of a clue who's been bathed though!