Preparing for a show. Silkies and Cochins.

by Becky
(Ohio)

We wash our chickens in a tub with a hand held sprayer. First we let them presoak in a bucket filled with several inches of warm water and soap ( ivory soap or blue ribbon). Even presoaking for a few minutes softens the feet and vents up really well. Next step is in the tub,wet thoroughly with the sprayer,soap up and rinse,just like washing the dog. While I am washing one, the next is soaking.

Wrap in a towel,sand the beak and trim the nails. Then I put them in a large plastic bin with a dog cage dryer on them set on low. Watch closely so they don't over heat.

I wash the cochins about a week before and the silkies the night before.

We also use a hair dryer set on low/warm to dry them. In the winter/cold weather I bed them deep on shavings and let them stay in the basement until the next day.

I use Pink spray or Olive oil hair spray to add some sheen. Vet RX on their beaks,combs and wattles.