Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Redwing]

Seven of my lot have been bathed for the National Show next weekend

 

here are some pics

 

 

Greystoke dozing off!

 

 

 

Not very impressed....

 

 

A few hours later - two very dry and fluffy lads

 

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Lovely . What well-behaved gentlemen they are .

[Stella14]

I just showed this to my partner and he said "what a beautiful bird" (not you, your chicken). What breed is it? It's very handsome.

 

Good luck with the show

 

We have just got our first hens today and we're smitten!

[Redwing]

They are Wyandotte bantams

 

They are utterly beautiful chooks and a joy to own - no bickering, no problems at all

 

I have 16 of them

 

Congratulations on your first chickens - its all very addictive mind

[Laura & CTB]

Lovely piccies Tasha - there is something about a photo of a chook wrapped in a towel that is so cute

 

See you at the weekend

[Egluntyne]

I see you liked my name suggestion!

[bigmommasally]

Beautiful

 

My chooks hate having a bath, everything and everyone in the vicinity get absolutely soaked, no way would any of them sit there dozing off Whats your secret? Camomile Radox?

[Chucky1]

Lovely pix Red.

 

I don't think ours would be as quiet at bathtime

[Daphne]

They look so calm; I don't think I'd realised you can use so much water and soap but they seem to be behaving beautifully! Very best of luck at the National

[chick wiggle]

Awww bless them, proper little water babies!

Good luck for the show Tash

[Redwing]

I did like the name suggestion Egluntyne thanks for that! someone also suggested Jack so that name was given to the other cockerel

 

After much trial and error I have found the tub trug to be the best bath as the rubber stops them slipping, I use three trugs - soapy water, clean water and water with a secret showing recipe in for the final rinse chest height water seems to keep them a lot calmer than shallow water and they dont flap - of course they get used to it too which does help!

[Stella14]

I don't know anything much about showing chickens, but based on my knowledge of dog shows, I'm surprised you can bath them so far in advance! I look forward to reading how your gorgeous ones get on.

 

Are there any forthcoming shows in the North East?

[Chortle Chook]

Lovely pictures! Do they dry off of their own accord or do you have to do something to get them dry other than a light towel rub? I am scared of rubbing too hard with a towel in case I break any feathers.

[Redwing]

You need to bathe them about two weeks before the show, I've left it a bit late but i dont like to bring them in from their freedom too far in advance

 

The feathers need time to recover their sheen and the webs knit together again so you cant leave it till the last minute

 

I leave my chooks to dry naturally where possible, a hairdryer can make the feathers curl and go scraggy, I rub hard with the towel but only in the direction of the feathers

 

The trouble is you need to keep them very clean till the show, mine live on four inches of immaculately maintained bedding inside from their bath until the show

 

I will see what I can find in teh North East, keep an eye on the Shows thread in teh Get Togethers section

[Plum]

Beautiful Tasha, both winners

[Chortle Chook]

Thanks, Redwing for the tips

Good luck ! May both boys win a prize and rosette.

[sparkysmum]

IAfter much trial and error I have found the tub trug to be the best bath as the rubber stops them slipping, I use three trugs - soapy water, clean water and water with a secret showing recipe in for the final rinse !

 

Really beautiful Tasha, good luck Re your "secret showing recipe" could we perhaps prise this info from you next Feb for the Peebles show. I know the lovely Hazel wants to show the sablepoots next year.

 

be sure & tell us how you get on at the show.

 

Alli x

[mostin]

Lovely pics Tasha .

 

You've seen the size of my boys , but even Big Bad Bill behaves at bath time before shows. I find as long as the water is hot enough, the just relax and have a little snooze .

 

I just love the look on Mr Mostin's face as I carry them past him on the way to the en-suit. I bet they love the feel of the tub trug rubber. Mine used to freak out when ever they slipped until I got them a really grippy shower mat to stand on, and now they are really calm.

 

Can't wait to see all your flock at the show. i will be living my National show dreams through you this year as I have no entries of my own. Can't wait for the weekend

[Space Chick]

Awww Tasha, those are lovely pics