Chicken bath drown

[Mharman0930]

Hello I gave my chicken a butt bath with Epsom and Dan soap a Few times but just now she flipped upside down and kept going under water freaking out so I let her out and now she’s trying to catch her breath I kept petting her and keeping her awake she’s breathing better and more alert but wheezing and I’m noticing a bubble forming next to her neck? She just just up but I’m holding her still ,What can I do?

 

[Rose Quartz]

That bubble is her crop. You are seeing it because her feathers are wet.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sure it's not an air sac? Looks closer to her back than the front of her. In any case, dry her with a towel then use a hair dryer on Low/Cool, keep it moving quickly, she should enjoy it.

 

[Mharman0930]

Thanks. She isn’t wheezing anymore and standing but just staying in one spot so I hope she’s okay

 

[SourRoses]

To add to Bluehens good advice, I would also set her on a roost *if she's strong enough to grip and stay balanced.
If she doesn't want to stay on the roost in the coop, try DIY'ing her something where she does want to be.
When chickens roost they can lower their heads way down and that is the only way they can truly clear their throats. When I've had chickens with stridor (something stuck in their throat) them roosting at night fixed it each time.

That said, if she did get water in an air sack, she is done for. That leads to infection.

If you bathe a chicken again, you need a good handle on them, maybe even a helper.
Her flipping upside down in the water was a disaster, not a little oops.
Don't feel bad, just keep it in mind.

 

[Mharman0930]

To add to Bluehens good advice, I would also set her on a roost *if she's strong enough to grip and stay balanced.
If she doesn't want to stay on the roost in the coop, try DIY'ing her something where she does want to be.
When chickens roost they can lower their heads way down and that is the only way they can truly clear their throats. When I've had chickens with stridor (something stuck in their throat) them roosting at night fixed it each time.

That said, if she did get water in an air sack, she is done for. That leads to infection.

If you bathe a chicken again, you need a good handle on them, maybe even a helper.
Her flipping upside down in the water was a disaster, not a little oops.
Don't feel bad, just keep it in mind.

Thank you for the honest advice I’ve only owned chickens for 2 years. This is her 3rd bath and I googled a bunch before hand. You’d think someone would have shared hey don’t let them go under water. Is there a way to know if she got water in air sac that is going to kill her?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Not to answer your last question, but just some info going forward. When I "bathe" a chicken, I use a basin and only put about 3 to 4" of water in it. Then I can use a gloved hand to wash the dirty bottom, but there's not enough water for the hen to get into trouble. So sorry this happened but hopefully all is well.

 

[tlcmurphy]

No need to use soap, a few inches of water as mentioned above is enough. Be sure she’s completely dry!

 

[Mharman0930]

Not to answer your last question, but just some info going forward. When I "bathe" a chicken, I use a basin and only put about 3 to 4" of water in it. Then I can use a gloved hand to wash the dirty bottom, but there's not enough water for the hen to get into trouble. So sorry this happened but hopefully all is well.

Yea now I know - thanks for advice. I watched stupid diy videos that filled a plastic tub with lid. I did exactly that cut hole filled it etc.past 2-3 baths over winter inside in my tub were fine- this was first bath outside - ugh! I am hoping she will be okay she ate snacks I gave her seeds grapes walked around a good bit pooped and went up on roost on her own so far so good. I wish I knew how long until I’m in clear about that water in lung infection concern. Thanks

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I wish I knew how long until I’m in clear about that water in lung infection concern. Thanks

@SourRoses , any guidance on this?