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HOW TO WASH A CHICKEN

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KEEPING YOUR SHOW BIRDS CLEAN

 Tips

  • A toothpick can be used to clean out the scales on the bird's legs. Don't be afraid to dig, the bird will tell you if you're going too deep. Occasionally whitish looking scales will come off (A dead/old scale). Doesn't the scale underneath look all clean and shiny?
  • If it's a show you're washing them for, you may want to bring a rag or little towel if they suddenly get dirty. Also bring a water bottle with vinegar water to help quick clean the chicken.

  •  Warnings

    • If you see the chicken stick its head up high, it is looking where to fly! If you're willing to take the risk of becoming wetter, clamp the bird's wings to its body (with your hands, of course- silly you!). If not, back away!
    • Whatever you do, do NOT let the chicken put it's head down, it is very possible that it will drown; the water fills the breath

Steps
  1. Prepare the tubs! Obviously, you want to check the weather to see if it's good to wash the chicken outside or inside; you wouldn't want to wash and get a poor chicken all wet in the cold weather! You're going to prepare 3 tubs;
    • In the first tub, you pour Woolite or the cat shampoo if your chicken has mites or fleas. Then pour in the water (so it gets nice and foamy.) Use warm or lukewarm water unless it is a very hot day.
    • In the second tub, just pour plain old water. This is the tub where you rinse the bird.
    • In the third tub, pour in a mixture of vinegar and water. (2 cups of vinegar to a gallon of water)
  2. Pick the chicken you're going to wash. This is the one that needs to be clean, or is the dirtiest.
  3. Put the chicken in the first tub, slowly. If they've never had a bath before, this tub is where they'll freak out. By tub two, they will hopefully be too tired to struggle. Scoop some of the foam onto their bodies, and gently rub it in, being careful to not break the feathers. Don't forget to clean their feet, the vent, and under their wings! Always keep the head above the water, because chickens are not the smartest animals and can easily drown.
  4. Transfer them to the second tub and get all of the soap off.
  5. In the third tub, just make sure the vinegar water gets all over their body. This will make their feathers shinier.
  6. Dry your chicken! If it is a warm day, you can towel-dry them a bit. If it is cold, you'll want to bring them inside and blow dry them completely.
  7. Trim their beaks and nails if needed. Do their beaks or nails need to be trimmed? If so, then start trimming! You'll want to file the beak so that it is sharp and pointy. On the nails, cut tiny bits at a time and watch the blood line! (That's the little red line you may or may not be able to see in the nail.) If your chicken has dark nails, you'll want to cut teeny little bits at a time. If the nail starts bleeding, dip it into a powdery substance, like flour or baking powder.

Things You'll Need
  • A chicken
  • 3 wash tubs
  • Woolite or Flea Removing Cat Shampoo (First tub)
  • Luke warm water (all three tubs, especially second tub)
  • Vinegar (third tub)
  • Nail trimmers (use one meant for a human baby or a small dog) (use only if necessary)
  • Hair dryer (if the chicken is shivering) or towels
  • Toothpick (optional, see tips)