How to Bathe Show Chickens

Chicken owners should take the time to groom and bathe the chicken anywhere between three days to a day before the show at the country or state fair, so that the chicken will be free of dirt and look as well groomed as possible for the judges. Owners usually keep the chicken in a small enclosed area after the bath so that it does not get dirty rolling in dirt or grass before the show.

Things You'll Need

  • Three washtubs
  • A cup
  • No-tear baby shampoo or gentle detergent
  • White vinegar
  • Clean wash rags
  • Nail clippers
  • Emory board
  • Old bath towels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill three large washtubs with warm water that you can comfortably place your hands in. Each washtub will get used in the show chicken bathing process. Place all your supplies near the washtubs so that they are within easy reach of your work area.

    • 2

      Get the show chicken and place it in the first tub of warm water. Keep one hand on the chicken at all times so that it does not get out of the tub. Fill the cup with water and run the water over the chicken's back to get it wet.

    • 3

      Apply a few drops of baby shampoo to the washcloth and start rubbing the shampoo into the chicken's feathers. Rub the chicken's back, stomach and the rest of its body until it is full of soap.

    • 4

      Move the chicken from the first tub to the second tub. Pick up the cup and fill it with clean water. Run the clean water over the chicken's body until the soap is out of the body. Run some vinegar over the chicken's feathers to ensure that all the soap residue is removed.

    • 5

      Move the chicken to the third tub and use the cup to rinse off the chicken for a final time. The chicken's feathers should be completely clean.

    • 6

      Place the chicken in an old towel and start drying the chicken off. Hold the chicken in the towel and trim the chicken's nails with the nail clippers. The towel will help stop the chicken's wings from flapping while you are cutting its nails. File the chicken's nails as needed to get rid of any jagged nails.