And now for something completely different...

A brief respite from Arizona photos. They'll be back tomorrow. But today it's all about Chicky.

My hen Chicky, who was the "runt of the litter" and has always been dead last in the pecking order, has been looking very naked. Despite her protective saddle, her feathers have been worn down by the amorous roosters, and on top of that there seems to be some feather picking going on, as her neck is quite bald. Moult is also a distinct possibility. And some of her new feather shafts had been broken off and were bloody.

She was looking pretty scruffy, so I decided to give her a bath and  put her in the heated garage for a little spa vacation, along with her friend Anastasia. We rolled the chicken tractor in there yesterday and set things up. I think Chicky is stressed and I wanted to give her a break.

I had never bathed a chicken before but some of my other bloggy friends have given their feathered friends spa treatements, like Lauren's. 

I also watch this lovely video, which gave me the confidence to lather up Chicky!

So into the kitchen sink she went. And she was amazingly calm.  She seemed to enjoy the whole experience.

"And now for your relaxing shoulder massage! Would you like the hot stone and lavender oil treatment next?"

Not looking her best.

A very cooperative hen!

Now, before anyone gets in a tizzy, the toilet lid was down. I was not, as one friend suggested, multi-tasking here. I just closed myself in the downstairs bathroom to keep out curious cats.

She did not protest when I flipped her over and blow-dried her belly!

All done! Somewhat bald, but dry and fluffy. I found the whole experience surprisingly relaxing, as did Chicky. I noticed quite a lot of pinfeathers coming in, which gives me hope that things are improving.

And fear not, I bleached both sinks when I was finished. (Also I suspect there are fewer germs on Chicky than on the average grocery-store chicken thigh.)

Have a happy Sunday!