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Washing White Bantams
By Matt Lhamon I
have used Hartz Mountain White Dog Shampoo or Tide with Bleach Alternative with much success the last few years and thru the
bluing away. Tide with Bleach Alternative has a whiting agent which really makes the birds stand out. 1st tub, I put a couple
capfuls of Shampoo or Tide in the wash water along with 2 oz of Pyrethrum concentrate per 4 gallons of water to kill any external
parasites. If the bird is real dirty I will put Shampoo or Tide right on the bird in the dirty area. Then I use a plastic
bristle carpet brush to scrub the bird real good always working with the lay of the feathers. Once the bird has been scrubbed
thoroughly, I clean the head and feet areas and rinse completely in clean water in the second tub. The Dog shampoo will turn
the bird's feathers real blue so be sure to get it rinsed out well especially in the quill areas. In the third tub I use 1
cup of white vinegar to 4 gallons of water to cut any excess suds. The fourth tub is optional but I use about 6-8oz of Glycerin
to 4 gallons of water to restore oil to the feathers. Towel dry and leave the bird dry in the sun or under heat lamp till
completely dry. White birds should be washed about 3 days before the show, colored birds about 7 days. I only use a blow dryer
on my Cochins and then only to fluff the bird up after it has dried naturally for awhile. Poor washing/drying job will do
more harm than good to the bird, take your time and wash well getting all stains and dirt out, rinse well and get all the
suds out and let the bird dry naturally so it can get its feathers back in place. Keep your show boxes full of fresh clean
shavings as many a good white bird has been ruined in transport to the show. I have a few different methods for washing Reds/OE/Moderns
as the hard feathered birds can be easily ruined by improper washing also.
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