Bath time

Some of my ladies could do with a visit to a hot soapy bucket. A life of grime and crime has left the so-called white feathers a distinct beige colour. Even more apparent when the new feathers have the Colgate ring of confidence, and the others do not.

Would shampoo be OK, or should I best use something else?

Pertelotte

It's a fantasy of crisp clean chickens in a cottage garden.

Except

The garden resembles a football pitch and the girls spent the autumn covered in grey slime due to 'dust bathing' in the compost heap - which soon became a compost dip.

I thought that in the summer they would have to work just that little bit harder to get mucky. And their feathers are so nice beneath the muck.

a very mild shampoo such as baby shampoo can be used, make sure you towel dry then blow dry on a warm not hot setting before letting the chickens out again 

Thanks Guys! I knew I could count on you for good advice.

Of course keeping chickens clean is like keeping them away from stealing. It's just not going to last! Mum told me that a muddy chicken is a chicken who's enjoying her life (although I remember her taking a very different line when I was smaller).

Well, here's to a nice hot day and a hot soapy bucket.

P x