Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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jenn
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cleaning henshaving just picked up an unwanted cockeral a what could be lovely light sussex from someone, he is a bit scruffy and I have of course isolated him. what is the best thing to tidy him up I know there is a cleaning type powder but I dont know exactly what its called.
thansk
jenn
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Lorrainelovesplants
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he will naturally clean up in the weather we are having, but if you really want (and wish to wash your kitchen floor at the same time)you could shampoo with a very dilute baby shampoo or washing up liquid in a big tub of warm water. Rinse well, and allow to dry in a clean dry shed/large cage (out of a draught). Then you will be able to see if he's just scruffy or needs a bit of tlc/feeding up/louse treatment.
I'd keep him isolated for 2 weeks minimum, and worm and delouse whilst he's on his own.
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dpack
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the diatom mud powder is good in the dust bath/nests
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jenn
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ta folks hes looking a bit better already this morning, he was looked after but there wasnt a lot of light where he was and just earth, no straw bed in the run
jenn
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Woodburner
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They do preen themselves and get clean that way, but it can be a losing battle if there's too much mud around. Earth runs are ok if they're dry, but they do like to dust bathe, which makes them look a bit 'earth colour'. 
My biggest silkie girl went a bit mad shortly after I first got her, you'd have thought she was buff not white!  I reckon it was her first real dust bath, as she doesn't seem quite so keen now, although her pom pom still looks a bit beige. 
The other thing is, your boy could be moulting, and maybe hen pecked. Mine had bare patches on his neck and underside when I got him. I worried about lice untlil I saw him 'in action' and realised that he'd had twleve girls to keep him busy before that. 
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