Can I use this on my rescued hens?

[Ratty]

Feeling really sorry for my rescued ex-battery hens, they were the worst of the bunch (I was afraid no-one else would want them!) and one in particular has a really scabby sore looking bare back. The rehomer said I could use arnica to lessen the soreness in their skin. Found this and wondered if it was suitable? http://www.redrumshampoo.co.uk/index.ph ... oductId=63 I know its for horses, but apparently people use it too. How about my scabby hens? I've already treated them for red mite/lice with Diatom.

Many thanks in advance.

[farmerdrea]

I don't know about horse shampoo, but what I have done in the past that works very well is cover the injured area with Stockholm tar. You can give arnica for the pain as well. The tar protects the area from further damage (the other hens may peck the wounded area, especially if it's bleeding) and helps it heal, with the added bonus of protecting the hen from sunburn.

Good luck with them!

Andrea
NZ

[Ratty]

Thanks for that. It isn't a shampoo - the link title is a little misleading! Its a tea tree & arnica roll on. What does anyone else think? Clarabell is the poorliest looking. I'd post photos but my digital camera is broken.

[sleepyowl]

Possibly not arnica is poisonous even to humans (although reletively safe to use externally if you don't use it too frequently i.e everyday for ove a couple of months). You could try lavender oil diluted in some grapeseed oil (lavender is so mild it can be used udiluted but wont massage in well enough)

[lsm1066]

Possibly not arnica is poisonous even to humans (although reletively safe to use externally if you don't use it too frequently i.e everyday for ove a couple of months). You could try lavender oil diluted in some grapeseed oil (lavender is so mild it can be used udiluted but wont massage in well enough)

I'm pretty sure we're talking homoeopathy here. Arnica (witch hazel) is indeed poisonous in its raw state. However, in homoeopathic remedies it is completely harmless to anyone, including babies. The creams and pills you can buy over the counter are homoeopathic.

However, sleepyowl makes a really good point. Under no circumstances give raw witch hazel (arnica) to your animals and don't take it yourselves either.

Lynne