Fetlock spruce up
Keeping thick feathers white and clean takes a huge amount of time and care.
But keeping feather hair well looked after will ensure the skin underneath is cared for too. Wet and muddy conditions will create a haven for bacteria under thick feather hair and can cause sore and cracked skin. Daily care and maintenance as part of a grooming routine will ensure skin problems will be noticed, so it’s crucial to make feather care a daily part of your routine.
■ Applying a good quality barrier oil such as pig oil will help to provide protection against wet and mud and enable feathers to be brushed through more easily. The addition of flowers of sulphur can also help to keep feather mites at bay.
■ Keep on top of any stains and remove them daily. Stains that are left will be much harder to remove. Invest in a good quality stain remover and purple shampoo to help lift the stains and prevent new ones.
■ After washing it’s quick and easy to dry feathers by using an old-fashioned method involving wood flour. Fluff the flour into the feathers; this will add volume as well as aid the drying process and help keep the skin healthy.
■ For added whiteness, especially on show days, use a fine mineral-based whitening powder after applying wood flour. Apply directly to the feathers and work into the hair, brushing out afterwards.
■ This will also aid drying and give additional whiteness and volume. The whitening powder can also be mixed with water and painted on to the leg. Less is more when applying in a wet format.
■ Finish by applying a spray-on conditioner. This will protect the hair as well as making it easier to brush through and will provide a barrier against dirt and staining.