[michael85]

Our baby chicks have been outside for a week now, unfortunatley we have lost two  but the other 12 are thriving.

Given the weather though they do look a bit of a state! We plan to give them a going over with the hairdryer when we get home from work tonight, but is there anything I could wash them with first?

Thanks

MIchael

[joyfull]

you could use a very mild shampoo such as baby shampoo.
How old are they? As the weather has turned cold they may need a bit more protection from the elements.

[Sassy]

You don't say how old your chicks are. Personally I am not a big believer in washing birds/animals unless it is for medical reasons. You could just dry them on a low heat with a hairdryer as per your plan. Once this has been achieved it may be better not to allow access to the rain whilst it is coming down hour after hour with no chance to dry off.

[michael85]

thanks for the replies guys.

I'll just try a light hairdrying for now but we do have an 8 month oldbaby so we do have easy access to baby shampoo if its needed.

The chicks are about 7 weeks old now, this is them a few weeks ago, http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=92034.msg1024185#msg1024185

[joyfull]

I would make sure they are very well sheltered and have them in a covered run. The weather has cooled right off and got very wet so they really are a little too young to be out in this without a broody hen to keep them warm (this may be why you have lost two  )

[michael85]

I would make sure they are very well sheltered and have them in a covered run. The weather has cooled right off and got very wet so they really are a little too young to be out in this without a broody hen to keep them warm (this may be why you have lost two  )

thats the conclusion we came to so as of last night they came back inside.Hopefully the weather will improve again soon.