An unfortunate result of keeping birds indoors is they lack access to rain and moister they would naturally use to groom themselves. If your bird is not able to clean and groom themselves regularly they can become at best, a smelly corner of the house you might start to avoid and at worst become sick from bacteria and parasites. So allowing your bird the opportunity to stay clean and healthy should be your top priority as an owner. They are a few types of bathing options your bird might enjoy and by experimenting with these different options it should be easy to find which your bird might like best.
Birds can have varied behavior in how they approach bathing. Some may like the mist from a shower or spray bottle while some may like a small pool to stand in and dunk themselves. Whatever your birds habits and demeanor, the best way to approach cleaning it is to take each method slow and allow them become comfortable.
Do birds like to be misted from a spray bottle?
Yes! Mist your birds daily. The advantages to misting health wise are numerous and will actually promote bonding with your bird. Misting will bring about a healthy preening of feathers which leads to less plucking and keeps the skin healthy underneath. Misting can also help to improve a bird’s respiratory system since the humidity in your house will often be much lower than they would see in their natural environment. Your bird might might show some apprehension the first few times you mist them but don’t let that stop you. They will quickly come to enjoy it and you will be amazed at what such a simple trick can do for their health. Make sure to use a new spray bottle that doesn’t have traces of chemicals in it.
Is it OK to bathe my bird?
Yes! Birds in their natural environment will often bathe in small puddles when they become dirty. Teaching your bird to bathe in small water dishes will help them stay clean and happy. You can also use a sink, bathtub or other small enclosed areas with only a small amount of water to help your bird stay clean. Most birds will not want to be fully submerged, although there are exceptions, so start with a small water dish and let nature take its course. Do not force your bird into water as it can cause anxiety. Use only clean water and stay away from soap or any other chemicals unless prescribed by your vet.
Bird Showers!
Do people really give their birds a shower? Why yes they do! But before you turn it on full blast you might want to allow your bird to get over its anxiety the first few time. Buy a plastic cup mounted bird stand and move it closer to the shower over a couple of occasions. Your bird will soon love the extra humidity and the chance to get wet in a safe environment. A quick warning about water temperature. We want to use a lukewarm water temperature. We also want to do this during the warmer part of the day so your bird’s feathers have a chance to dry properly before it becomes cold. The settings on most shower heads can be changed by turning the shower head so options that give lighter flow rate would definitely be preferred.
