Parrot Bathing and Showering


Bathing or showering you parrot is an important part of any animals hygiene routine, We are all very aware that having a bird bath in our gardens invites several species of bird to the area for a bath and a drink.
Our feathered friends, Parrots, Parakeets, cockatiels, lovebirds are no different. For a Parrot, bathing is all part of the process to help keep skin and feathers in pristine condition.
The African Grey for example may not tolerate a daily bath and may even prefer once a week misting depending on your bird, due to its feathers being very dusty A/G's require a misting or bath at least once a week to help promote preening.
Beware! * Safety First * Always!	'Ollie' our ringneck parakeet loved being misted with a spray bottle. Basically I would spray upwards over the top of the bird and the mist would fall like rain.
Simulating rain like this is more accepting to your parrot than spraying directly into the birds face. You will know if your parrot likes this treatment as he will run from the spray if he doesn't and will just stand there, wings spread possibly flapping and your parrot may even make happy sounds. Different Parrot species may react in different ways to being bathed or showered so be very patient with your Parrot, He or She will eventually become interested in bathing either by misting, shower or a bathing bowl.
Common sense also plays a big part in bathing or showering your parrot. There may be a risk that if your parrot once fully wet may try and fly.Parrots are at severe risk of really doing some damage to themselves if this is allowed.
Never put your parrot at risk in this way, you may want to keep him or her near to the floor when showering. You will soon become confident of how and where you should do this and with the birds feelings and safety in mind should become a pleasurable experience for both you and your feathered friend.
Water is all that is needed to give your Parrot a clean, just fresh clean water. Some people place a bowl of water perhaps about half inch deep into the cage and let the birdie do the work, this is more natural as it allows them to clean as and when they please. I know a guy in the UK who takes his Parakeets into the shower with him but please be sure you are in control at all times, this could turn nasty if you know what I mean. Ouch.. Always try and find the right time in the day to give your parrot a bath as he will need time to dry off before bed time at night. Also try not to use to colder water as this may become as a real shock to your bird, Imagine me coming over to you with the garden hose. We've all been there. OOOhhh

I'm not saying the water should be hot just perhaps take the edge off the chill by adding a little warm water to the spray bottle.
Soaps should Never be used on your parrot unless you are a professional and are cleaning birds contaminated with oil. This should be done by a qualified person either your local Avian Vet or Nurse.

Written by Paul Hallissey Priceless Parrots

Parrot Bathing and Showering