LizzieLloyd Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 One of my ladies has rather a dirty bottom and I would like to give her a little wash to clean her up. What is the 'best' way to do this and should I use a mild detergent? Also will she be ok to dry off naturally or shoudl I try to give her a blow dry? I have rubber gloves ready! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 Dog or horse shampoo is good, baby shampoo or some mild washing up liquid/shower gel Wash and rinse thoroughly Dont let the chook outside wet no matter how warm the day, leave it to dry in a box indoors (overnight works best as they are usually quiet then) or use the hairdryer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LizzieLloyd Posted March 23, 2011 Author Share Posted March 23, 2011 Many thanks - looks like she has a night ahead of her in the cat travel box in the kitchen! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beach chick Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 in practical terms, I found it best to do the deed outdoors as it can be quite messy. I had a bucket with warm shampoo-y water and another with clean, and found dunking the chook in the soapy water first, then using a jug or something to keep running more soapy water over her was the easiest way. then rinse in the clean bucket (might need to repeat this a couple of times). definitely rubber gloves!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
daxigirl Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 My advice is to clear the window sill and have a towel on the draining board and the hair dryer all plugged in ready to go. It also made it easier to put the soap stuff in the water rather than on the chicken as it rinsed quicker. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alis girls Posted March 23, 2011 Share Posted March 23, 2011 One to look forward to might get OH on this if the need arises Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madchickenlady Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 I use warm soapy water in a bucket on the patio. I try very hard to only get the undercarriage and legs wet, and then mine generally dry off in the greenhouse Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaKiw1 Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 It sounds more tricky to do than it is in practice we found! We (OH & me) stood our chook in the utility room sink, knee deep in warm water - she loved it and didn't struggle or try to escape at all. We then used baby shampoo to gently wash her bottom. She just stood there with her eyes closed clearly loving it! Then we dried her a bit with an old tea towell and, with some misgivings, turned on the hair dryer on a low temperature. Again, she just stood there, eyes closed while we fluffed up her feathers round her bum. We've done it several times now with both our chooks when they've been poorly and have needed a clean up and it's been no problem any time. (And our chooks aren't normally very keen on being held at all!) Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
txswanie Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 I clean mildly dirty bottoms with baby wipes. Stubborn lumps have to be snipped off with nail scissors. Haven't had the need to shampoo anyone yet but may try it in the summer. I also clean mucky feet with wipes. Colette. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slim Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 My chooks have all loved a bath and blow dry! There is a pic of the late snowball getting this treatment! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LunaKiw1 Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 That's a lovely photo! You'd think the noise of a haridryer would scare them but they seem to love the gentle warmth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
