I have some chickens with some bald spots that are red and irritated. I read somewhere that pine tar is good for covering up the spots so they don't get pecked at.
But....on the can of pine tar I bought it says "Caution: Irritant. Avoid contact with eyes and skin".
So now I'm wondering if it really is ok to put on the chickens bare skin. I don't want to make it worse!
Thanks!
Jennifer Farmgirl Sister #104
"Nature brings to every time and season some beauties of its own". -Charles Dickens
Here in NM a lot of people use pinon tree sap for a lot of things. That is probably what you read is referring to. The pinon tree is a type of pine tree. I think I would advise you to not use it on your chickens because it is very sticky sort of like glue and will probably stick to something and tear your chickens delicate skin. Some people mix pinon sap with vaseline to make a salve. I don't think its that great for most things. Some people make a wad of it and put it in a cow's uterus if she is having trouble expelling afterbirth. Eating pinon needles will cause a cow or horse to abort. Laura
I buy the pine tar from the feed store, it is in the horse hoof care section, and have used it several times on my chickens. I had one get attacked by a dog, puncture marks and missing feathers over her back. I washed it with and iodine solution and applyed the pine tar. Healed up beautifully, you'd never know looking at her now. Just be careful to only get it where you want it. Once it's on there's no "do over". It will stay until they moult or it slowly wears off.
Alicia Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.~Ralph Waldo Emmerson www.blondenak.blogspot.com
They make a spray that I think is gentian violet. If she is being overmated, then get her an apron. Bag balm seems less toxic than tar. If you use tar, I would consider egg withdrawl for two weeks.
“It always looks darkest just before it gets totally black.”-Charlie Brown
Has anyone used pine tar on chickens?
Posted - Feb 14 2013 : 3:53:56 PM
