Washing show chickens

Jilli · **Joined:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 2

How long before a show do you wash your chickens? Is 1 week too long? I was thinking 2 days before so they would stay clean. I have never shown before so as you can read I have little idea about show preparation. Sorry if this is a dumb question

Fluffy_Feet · **Posted:** Sat Aug 21, 2010 2:20 pm

2days before is usually a good time frame.. they stay cleanish and their feathers have time to settle..

Sebducks · **Joined:** Wed Mar 11, 2009 3:41 pm **Posts:** 812

I agree two days, but make sure you put them on clean shavings not newspaper as it will stain them.

Greenacres · **Joined:** Sun Aug 22, 2010 6:42 am **Posts:** 2

Prepping chickens and hens for shows

Chickens are generally washed only when they participate in poultry shows. But if you think that your chickens need to be washed as they get dirty, it is advisable to go along these directions. It is just the same as washing your hair in the sink. Fill some pleasantly warm (not hot) water in a washing up bowl and put in shampoo or soap/washing up liquid.

To prevent it from escaping hold the chicken securely and firmly. The right way is to hold the bird by its legs. Position your index finger between its legs as your thumb and forefinger clasp the legs tightly. It is time to start the wash as the bird is in your control.

Wash the feathers like you wash your hair. Make use of an old toothbrush or a comparable contraption to clean the dirt of its legs and claws. Rinse the bird with clean water after the soap bath. You may require extra bowls of water to clean all the soap. Now your chicken may sit in front of the radiator to dry. You can also use hair dryer or (and) a towel to dry the feathers just like you dry your hair. Wipe the bird with careful rubs to dry the obstinate wet areas and see to it that the feathers are not damaged. To free it from the last of the moisture use the hair dryer as you do it with your hair, keeping in mind that you could harm the feathers with too much heat.

Jilli · **Joined:** Tue Aug 17, 2010 9:31 pm **Posts:** 2

Thanks everyone just the info I was needing

mother · **Joined:** Fri Aug 27, 2010 2:02 pm **Posts:** 1

Very good instructions and in plain english and just what I do for show prep.

ps don't feed them a few hours before the show as their crops will be low and judges don’t like that.

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