Washing a chicken can sometimes be necessary to make it look better for a show, for example, or just to clean it when it's a little dirty. If you've never heard of washing a chicken, don't worry, it's not difficult and you'll have a clean chicken!
Steps
Step 1. Check if it's a good day to wash your chickens
Obviously, check the weather conditions to make sure that the sun is out and the temperature is mild; you don't have to wash it and find yourself a poor chicken all wet in the cold season!
Step 2. Prepare the bathroom containers (tubs)
Prepare three tubs; plastic trash cans are fine, or dry feed bins, or other similar items. When choosing a bath container, just make sure it is wider than the chicken and deep enough to be half full and still be able to completely submerge the chicken except the head. In this way, the dirty water manages to stay on the edges and away from the chicken. A tight container also restrains the movement of the wings, which is important for controlling panic and reducing clutter.
- In the first tub, put a liquid or castile soap. Then pour some water (so it becomes frothy.) Use hot or lukewarm water, unless it's a very hot day. Add 1/2 cup of borax product to make the bath more effective, especially if the chicken is pale or white.
- In the second tank, simply pour tap water. This is the tub where the bird will be washed.
- In the third tub, pour a mixture of vinegar and water. (2 glasses of vinegar for 3.7 liters of water). You can also add a tablespoon of glycerin if you want to get an 'even brighter chicken', but make sure he doesn't drink any substances, or it will be very embarrassing to the vet.
Step 3. Choose the chicken you want to wash
This is the chicken that needs to be washed, or which is the dirtiest.
Step 4. Slowly put the chicken into the first tub
If you have never taken a bath before, here you will be able to show several signs of impatience. In the second container it is hoped that he will be too tired to fight any more.
- Gently push it up and down in a smooth motion. Do not brush or scrub it, or you will break the feathers.
- When the chicken is completely soaked, take it out and hold it with both hands over the 'drain' bowl. By now it will have absorbed a surprising amount of water! If you have an assistant, this is a good time to have him use a towel and wipe his paws while the chicken 'drips'.
- If the feathers are dull and have traces of faeces, it may be necessary to soak the chicken for a few more minutes to dissolve the dirt by shaking the water slightly. Any scrubbing of ruffled feathers must be done with the utmost care, and only in the direction of the tips. Be patient, as droppings usually dissolve in warm, soapy water.
- Don't leave the chicken unattended at any time! Poultry can drown easily, even in a small container, if it panics or loses its footing. Always keep their head above the water.
Step 5. Transfer the chicken to the second tub and dip it gently up and down again to get rid of all the soap
Step 6. In the third tank, make sure the water and vinegar solution covers the whole body of the chicken
This will make the feathers more shiny.
Step 7. Dry the chicken
Hold it over the rinse tank until most of the water stops dripping.
- If the day is hot, you can dry it carefully by placing a towel over the chicken and pressing without scrubbing, simply dabbing gently. Do the same under each wing.
- If it is cold, you should take it inside and dry it completely with a hairdryer on the lowest heat setting, so that the hairdryer does not break and ruffle the feathers. (Maybe it's best not to tell your wife what you did with the hair dryer.)
- Warning: This can leave a somewhat peculiar smell. You can also hold your hand between the blow dryer and the chicken. If it's too hot for you, it's too hot for the chicken too.
Step 8. Trim the chicken's beak and claws as needed
Have you noticed that they need to be cut? If so, then get started! You need to file only the obvious excesses to restore the beak and claws to a natural shape. On the nails, cut small portions at a time and see the bloodline! (This is a small red line that you can sometimes see in the claw.) If the chicken has black nails, you should cut small pieces at a time. If the claw begins to bleed, dip it in a powdered substance, such as flour or baking powder.
Sometimes it may be necessary to cut and file the main claws of the rooster to limit damage if it struggles with other roosters
Step 9. Sprinkle it with an anti-flea or lice powder to control any mites
This step is not necessary if there is no parasite problem.
Step 10. If you are preparing it for a show, consider rubbing petroleum jelly on the crest and wattles to bring out the red color
Step 11. Take advantage of the opportunity to clean up the chicken coop as well
Do not return the ready-to-show chickens to a dirty cage! Clean the cages or use new ones in preparation for the exhibit.
Advice
- You can use an old toothbrush (thoroughly cleaned) and gently scrub its beak, crest, wattles, legs and feet to get rid of dirt.
- If you wash it for an exhibition, do it three days in advance, to give it plenty of time to settle down neatly.
- If you wash it to present it to a show, you should bring a rag or small towel if it suddenly gets dirty. Also bring a bottle of water with water and vinegar to speed up the cleaning of the chicken.
- You can use a toothpick to clean the encrustations on the paws. Don't be afraid to scratch too much, the chicken will tell you if you are going too deep. Occasionally, whitish scales may also form (old dry / dead scales). Does it seem to you that the scales underneath still don't have a clean, shiny look? A nail brush also works well for this.
- Using a pair of tweezers and scissors can help remove ruined feathers and make the bird look better for the show.
- Don't hesitate to invite friends to admire it. It will surely be fun for everyone.
Warnings
- Whatever you do, Not let the chicken lie upside down, it is very likely that it will drown; the water fills the airways and disorients the bird. This is the time when you'll be glad you invited your friends - they can keep the chicken's head raised while it takes a bath.
- If you see that the chicken lifts its head high, it means it is trying to fly! If you're willing to take the risk of getting wet, pin the wings to the body (with your hands, of course!). Otherwise, walk away!
