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 In the wild, all birds bathe
regularly to ensure their feathers are maintained in tip-top flight condition.
Bathing stimulates preening which removes dirt, dander and unwanted visitors
from feathers. Parrots have been observed getting their baths during rainstorms,
splashing in puddles or streams, rubbing against leaves that condense moisture
in the high humidity tropical environment and by taking dust baths when water is
not plentiful.
Each individual parrot has
its own preference when it comes to bathing. Figuring out just what that
preference is can sometimes be a challenge but don't give up by thinking "my
bird hates baths". Providing your bird with daily bathing
opportunities is another essential ingredient in keeping your bird healthy and
beautiful. Besides the obvious benefit bathing has on feather
condition it also helps to keep dander levels down and it is good for your
bird's skin and respiratory health as the moisture and humidity helps to
maintain sinus and nasal passage health.
Here are some ways that your
bird might like to bathe:
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Wading:
Many birds are pool bathers and love to splash around in shallow water.
Try a
birdbath, bowl or pan of water no higher than your bird’s legs, placed at the
bottom of its cage. Some bird's even love to bathe in a sink with the
water running gently.
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Misting:
Most birds prefer a gentle falling mist like spray. Point the
mister
in a fashion that allows the water to fall down gently like rain. Be
careful not to spray directly into the face as this is uncomfortable and may
frighten your bird.
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Showering:
Many birds like the sound of running water and the larger drops of a shower.
Shower perches are available that provide non-slip surfaces for your bird to
grip. A few hints about showering:
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Try showering with
your bird and have a fun time together "singing in the rain."
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Place the perch off
to the side not directly under the spray.
-
Allow your parrot
time to adapt to the shower on its perch while it observes you shower.
-
Gradually introduce
your parrot companion to the water.
-
Rolling in Leaves: For small
birds, try placing wet lettuce leaves or large leafy green vegetables at the
bottom of their cage. Many small birds love to roll in the leaves and
get some good nutrition at the same time.
A few other tips related to
bathing:
-
Bathe daily if
possible or at least a minimum of three times per week. Bathing promotes
healthy skin and feathers.
-
Bathe more
frequently in dryer months to maintain a healthy respiratory system.
Our winter heating systems result in very low indoor humidity levels which
are unhealthy for our birds.
-
Bathe your parrot
companion during the warmest part of the day so the bird will dry before the
temperature falls.
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Always use luke warm
to slightly cool water to avoid burns or shocking your bird's system.
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Never drench your
bird’s feathers because they can lose precious body heat.
-
Make a game of bathing
time. If you are enjoying yourself, your bird will likely enjoy
himself. In our house we always sing the made up song "It's Birdie
Bathy Time" (sung to the old time favorite Ta-ra-ra Boom-de-ay) inserting
each bird's name as we move from cage to cage with the mister.
Everyone including mom ends up dancing and having a good time.
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Many birds are
instinctually stimulated into bathing activity by the sound of a vacuum
running. Perhaps the sound is reminiscent of a rainstorm in the
tropics?
-
If you have an outdoor
aviary, an outdoor misting system is a great alternative
on a warm sunny day.
-
If your bird really
gets soiled or greasy you may want to use a
bird safe shampoo to help
restore your bird's feathers. Consult with your avian vet on the
best way to proceed depending on the contaminant and always read the product
label and follow the instructions provided.
-
Avoid human bathing
and shampooing products as they can strip the special preening oils your
bird possesses.
-
Some birds love
getting a blow dry after taking a bath but it's not necessary or even
recommended. Make sure that the temperature setting on the hair dryer
isn't too high.
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If using a
birdbath, pan or bowl
of water in your bird's cage, remove it when the bathing is complete and
replace any wet cage bedding below to prevent mold growth.
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