When is it safe to bathe goslings?

[Denninmi]

My three are now 16 days, 9 days, and 5 days old. They all are messy - I'm doing my best, but they are worse than ducks at making a mess, and I didn't think that was possible.

So, when will it be safe to give them a bath in some tepid water? Its going to be 90 tomorrow, so I could do it outside in a dishpan and let them dry off in the warm sun and/or shade for a few minutes.

 

[opalwednesday]

I gave my babies bath time at one week. I read on this forum that the water stimulates their waterproofing gland near their tail feathers, and that an early start is important for a healthy gland.

I used warm water and alot of fresh towels and cuddle time to dry them off, you don't want to get them chilled you know. I totally used the sun to my advantage when the wind was down.

remember to give them a ramp so they don't exause themselves, and I always put grass in the water so they ould stay up on energy, they LOVE diving around for it.

have fun at swim class!