Are EPSOM SALT baths good for hens?

What are Epsom salts?

Epsom salts are primarily Magnesium sulphate.

When can a warm bath be good for birds?

Warm baths can help relax aching muscles in a hen that is lame or has weak legs.

The buoyancy provided by the water will help supports a birds with weak legs or a heavy coelom (abdomen).

Soaking in water will help soften skin, but emollient creams should still be applied afterwards as they will have an even greater effect.

Dirty feathers can attract flies, putting birds at risk of fly strike (tissue eating maggots). Stubborn dirt that is stuck to feathers can be removed more easily in a bath.

The pressure of water in a bath can help keep a challenging prolapse inside, although once the bird has been removed you lose the help of the water and it can relapse. Therefore, other treatments are also often required.

Scientific evidence is mixed regarding Epsom Salt baths. Sometimes they can be useful, other times they are less likely to be.

What does adding Epsom salts do?

Despite many online references, there is no robust scientific data to suggest Epsom salts have any effect on skin wounds, e.g. pododermatitis (bumblefoot). To encourage skin cell shedding, shampoos containing exfoliators like salicylic acid are more effective.

There is also no scientific data regarding positive effects on birds with peritonitis or other coelomic disorders.

If the bird is genuinely deficient in Magnesium, which is very unlikely as it is a very tightly regulated element in the body, then Epsom Salts could be indicated as some levels will be absorbed from the water.

Is there any harm in giving a hen an (Epsom Salt) bath?

It is worth considering the carbon footprint of Epsom Salts. Many are transported from overseas, sourced from evaporating lake or spring water via boiling.

If birds are struggling to breathe, bathing them can make matters worse. The pressure of the water will make using their abdominal air sacs more difficult.

Birds can get chilled very easily. Ensure they are fully dry and warm before returning them to the flock. Avoid bathing late in the day when the outside temperatures are naturally dropping.

Bathing can be a stressful experience for your hen if they are not used to it. Keep a pen-mate nearby so she doesn’t feel alone. Offer her favourite treats, keeping the lights romantically low and provide lots of reassurance with a calm voice.

Should I routinely bathe my hen?

No, it is not necessary to routinely bathe your hen. Always weigh up the risks against the benefits. Hens need carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water to live. As they grow from a chick to an adult they need different proportions of each nutrient suited to their particular life stage. That is why poultry diets are formulated as starter, grower and laying hen rations.