The Poultry Keeper

Heather

I think they have rolled in the pooh or something - I picked them up - it is definitely their feathers that stink

Is there anything I can use to help with this - other than bathing them - which I would do if they weren't so new and nervous - the most nervous ones are the stinkiest Rolling Eyes

Also when they first came they were doing the 'normal' looking pooh - now a couple of them are doing yellow orange runny ones - is this bad or just a change in diet ? Should I give them some live yoghurt ? or do they need something else ?

Advice please!

Heather x

NannyP · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 7:15 pm Post subject:

Heather I can only guess that the runny poo's is change of diet. Have no idea about the smell. Hopefully someone else can help Confused

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

Heather, the yellow runny poo is from change in diet. It is normal and will usually work itself out. You could give them yogurt, but then you are adding to the change in diet. It could be as simple as them having a different species of grass to nibble on. Stress could also be a factor. Not saying that you are stressing them, but the fact that they are in a new home is a huge factor.

The smell part....either give them a bath or let it eventually clean itself out from their dust baths. I am sure that they did not roll in poo. Chickens are actually clean in most respects. I have never seen one chicken poo in any of the dust bath spots that they make here. It is like a taboo or something.

Try the bath earlier in the morning...that way they have all day to get nice and dry and fluffed back up. But I would make sure that when bath time is over, that they do not have access to the dust bath or dirt...lol....they will try and dry themselves with that and then you will end up with little mud balls instead. Wink

Heather · Posted: Sun Aug 07, 2005 7:48 pm Post subject:

I have not seen them have / make a dust bath - they have sand in their run and Willow has scratched up some of the grass in the 'enclosure '

I have let them out this afternoon after wing clipping - Mrs Summers and Cordelia haven't ventured out - but Buffy and Willow were having a great time !

summayah · Joined: 14 Apr 2005 Posts: 4289 Location: luton

hi Heather, you could put acv in their water 2% dilution, that would help to alleviate any stress and also help to sort out any gut changes for them.
Also do they perch at night yet? If not, that could be why they smell, because they poo in their sleep and will be almost certainly sitting in it. If they're not perching it might be worth visiting them after lights out and putting them on the perch until they get the hang of it.
I think I'd wait for the weather to warm up a little before bathing them, then follow what Deb says ~ but preferably let nature take it's course.

Heather · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:03 am Post subject:

Thanks for the advice Summayah I will look out for some ACV tomorrow - I meant to get some - but with everything else - forgot !
I have been going out to them once they are sleepy and in the house - cordelia has perched every night so far - the first night I put the other 3 up

yesterday I got them all apart from Mrs Summers up and the same tonight (willow had gone up by herself Smile

such a clever girl) - Mrs Summers goes where I can't reach her - I put her up but she kind of fell/ jumped off tonight so I guess that might be why she smells - she is the worst

but the other orps kinda smell bad too - cordelia is second worst and buffy not too bad - Willow smells ok

I have sprayed some lavender water in their run - very dilute & hope it freshens it up

I have read to take the less tame ones out for a cuddle when they are sleepy - to get them used to handling - is this not cruel ? especially since Cordy so willingly goes in and perches .

Heather · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 12:06 am Post subject:

Deb_Moderator · Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 3661

If you don't want to take them physically off the perch....just hold one hand under her breast area and stroke her with the other. This works just as well. And no...handling at sleepy time is not cruel or mean....it will let them learn to trust that it is soothing. Wink

Heather · Posted: Mon Aug 08, 2005 7:53 am Post subject:

Awwwwwwww

Thanks Deb !

Can see already that I'm going to be too soft with these girls Rolling Eyes

- Kids at work know that Auntie Heather is a soft touch as well ! Though I can be strict when I need to be Wink