Bathing My Chickens

 Baths, for my chickens, takes place once a month... Last week was time for November Baths, and this time I remembered to take pictures.

Rowena hates bathing. Photo by Helen IV

To bath my three hens, I fill two large, deep buckets with lukewarm water, and a tablespoon of baking soda, and a large pinch of salt... One bucket for rinsing, one bucket for washing. In the washing water I add grated soap. I then select the hen I want to wash first, and hold her firmly with both hands. I lower her into the washing water and let a soak up some water. Then I lift her out of the water and set her down on the ground, then I rub her gently with some soap (careful not to rub hard, in case I pull out feathers) and lower her back into the washing water to rinse off most of the soap. Then I rinse her in the clean rinsing water. I do the same with my other two hens.


Now I have to dry them. If I had a hair-dryer it would be simple. I usually get water in my chickens' ears (by accident!), so they can't balance until their ears get dry. Then, I sit with them on my lap, wrapped in towels. My brothers are always eager to help, so I can usually find three laps for my three chickens to rest on.

My little brother L with one of my hens.
Photo by R

 I always end up with Rowena on my lap, 'cos she's a very wild hen. The other two (Protea and Strelitzia) are quite tame. L holding Strelitzia.

C with my prettiest hen, Protea.
Photo by R

After awhile, the chickens start to nod off in our arms (as you can see with Rowena, the red hen), and are rather calm. We only hold them for 10-15 mins and then their ears (and most of their feathers) should be dry.

Me with my wildest hen, Rowena
Photo by R

Thanks, R for all the nicely taken pictures! I really enjoy bathing my chickens. They, on the other hand, hate bathing.

Next bath-time for the chickens will be Christmas Bath-time! Yay!!!