[nzdunn]

now please dont laugh at me but i have two marans and i was wondering where the vent is on them, as there back ends as it where under there tail feathers is so fluffly with feathers you carnt see anything.   i take it if you part those feathers it will be there.   And also im goning be putting louse powder on them and ive read it is important to do the vent area, do you just part the feathers in that area then and shake some of the powder in.       nickyx

[Vember]

Hi Nicky

Yes the vent will be hiding away under those feathers

It'll be quite obvious once you part the feathers just go down from the tail and you'll get it

As for the powder once feathers are parted sprinkle all over skin area

Sarah

[andreadon]

the best way to find out exactly where it is is to watch them have a poo - sorry that sounds gross but they do flash it then!!

[SnooziSuzi]

Just in case you have bought powder in a tube for sprinkling;  I found that putting the powder into an old washing up bottle and squirting it like water onto their skin helps. 

To get the powder into the clean bottle I used a kitchen funnel and plastic spoon.  The funnel is to direct the powder into the bottle and the plastic spoon is to remove any blockages as the powder goes in. 

Just take hold of your birds and insert the nozzel cap of the bottle under the feathers and squirt.  this ensures the powder makes contact with the skin, rather than just on the feathers.

[cathangirl]

Ooh, thank you SnooziSuzi,
I was just pondering which old pillowcase I could tuck each of my girls into, (with head sticking out) and trying to dust them that way.
Your way sounds much better!
cathangirl.

[janeheritage]

No no Mary, BirdinaBag sounds really cool, I can't wait to try it. Practice for the egg-and-breadcrumbs later