How to Clean Feathers?

[bunyip1]

Hi All,

My query is, 'Does anyone have a suggestion on how to take oil off a finch without causing it harm?' I thought of water and a cloth, but being oil, without any soap solution, it would not be too effective, and I would also imagine that detergent and bird don't go together? Is there a suitable cleaning product around?

We have been treating our OB with paraffin oil due to egg bound condition. Now, after a a visit to vet for antibiotics to prevent any internal infection, the vet mentioned the finch is doused in too much oil that needs to be cleaned up, as the bird is unable to take full flight. BTW, my other half who is known to forum members as 'flap', asked me to mention that it was her who applied the oil and not me. I don't often write on the forum, as she keeps up with contacts etc, but I do appreciate all the genuine feedback and advice from members on this forum.

The OB seems to be picking up now, which is a relief, considering that a few days ago, she wasn't looking the best.

Cheers for now,
Bunyip1

[gomer]

I would say ring the veterinarian and ask ? If i had to guess I would think a organic disperser Not sure if that orange citrus cleaner may work.A vet should tell you over the phone though without consultation.

[flap]

Thanks for the suggestion gomer, the vet didn't mention anything when she examined the bird. Have been researching online how they clean birds from oil slicks. apparently there is a process using Dawn dishwashing liquid (used to buy it but not seen it around for a couple of years, anyone know if they still sell it?), washing the bird in a bath with a solution with it, then allwoing bird to dry and then spraying mist to encourage bird to preen and waterproof feathers again. however will be best to wait till the hen has recovered from her infection first I think. in hospital cage she can't fly anyway.

[finchbreeder]

Might be best to try and reduce the oil just the same as she could try to preen and get a beak full of oil or two?
LML

[Tiaris]

I would never put oil on a bird for egg-binding. Warmth is all that's required.

[jusdeb]

A little oil goes a long way hey ?
I googled for you and yes Dawn was the only answer which was not a good solution anyway .
Vaguely recall a canary sight covered this problem but I'm buggered if I can find it ....if you have some spare time you might have better luck.

[jusdeb]

Totally different I know but when our Corella was first bought home covered in recycled water and slime ( sewerage ) she was washed with baby shampoo daily .

Bigger bird and a tougher bird but just something to run with I guess.

There is a bird shampoo available ....http://www.vetafarm.com.au/products/POWER-SHAMPOO.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[flap]

Thanks for the responses. We used oil based on previous advice obtained on the forum. Have done it before without problems, this time combination of multiple doses on a small bird and accidentally putting a little too much. She then preened and spread it everywhere. I have taken on board other advice on our other thread that ingesting oil doesn't help and it needs to be on the vent instead. Deb, thanks for link to the shampoo. Sounds like a better option than dishwashing liquid. I wonder why they don't use it for birds in oil slicks though? not strong enough maybe?

[jusdeb]

It would be milder I guess and more expensive ...$$$ would be the reason Id say with so many birds to clean up after oil spills.

Also Ive seen close up birds washed up after an oil spill near Kurnell years ago .....the oil is thicker and when it covers the bird it turns into more of a slime than just an oily coating , I think time is an issue and the quicker the birds are stripped the better .

Dawn used to be the answer to those bad hair colours we used to give ourselves ....stripped the colour clean out so its quite strong .

[jusdeb]

OK treating oiled birds by Pat Mcwhirter in his book .....Every bird ....

Ordinary washing up liquid used at a dilution rate of 10 ml per litre warm water have proven useful for removing oily substances from feathers .

Do not use dish washer liquids blah blah too strong.

Repeated baths are usually necessary . Handling kept to a minimum.