Why do my Roosters Stink?

[thlayli]

I have nice dark dirt and dust along the side of my house. My chickens have turned it into their own little AC/dust bath area, and the boys lie in it all the time. I've smelled their odor several times before, it was just very strong when I managed to get a hold of one of them this morning, and i smelled it again when I went to get eggs and they were chilling in the shadow of the nesting boxes.

 

[djstanczak]

I am curious, what "shampoo" would you use in the bath? I'd like to know what is OK for them without striping good oils (a brand name is not helpful for international members but hints/suggestions appreciated).

Oh and sometimes the darlings smell less sweet when they have wondered through a poo patch with water (stinky farm yard spots). Is the smell persistent? One day would not worry me but a few days would get me thinking why are they not dust bathing???

I am curious, what "shampoo" would you use in the bath? I'd like to know what is OK for them without striping good oils (a brand name is not helpful for international members but hints/suggestions appreciated).

Oh and sometimes the darlings smell less sweet when they have wondered through a poo patch with water (stinky farm yard spots). Is the smell persistent? One day would not worry me but a few days would get me thinking why are they not dust bathing???

i would use Dawn dish soap, that's what the rescue people use. Is the smell coming from their mouths?

 

[tinakevin]

I was thinking the same thing if it's coming from the mouth. Sour crop

 

[thlayli]

I don't know if it's coming from their mouths. When I catch one I will sniff his feathers and then his beak and see where the scent is strongest. My MIL says the cure for sour crop is Monostat.

 

[Bluechick2u]

Thanks for the info, so far I have only once found a few epson salt 'capsules' for sale where I live.

Oh yikes, don't do that then. Find out what people in your area use to soak sore feet in, check to be sure that's not toxic, then try it. So no Walmart, or Costco kind of stores where you are? Drug stores sell it here very cheap as a soak for humans, it helps with potassium deficiency.