Discover 12 Ways to Bathe Your Bird

Bathing Your Parrot - Bath Time Can Be So Much Fun
If you have ever seen a parrot bathe, I am sure you will agree they appear to enjoy it immensely. Bathing is also necessary to keep their skin and feathers in tip top shape.  What if your bird doesn't seem to like bathing?

Many birds may not take to bathing right away and it may take awhile to discover what method of bathing they prefer. It may be helpful to try several different approaches. You might try each one in turn and see if you detect a preference. If you do, then continue to offer baths in this way for several days or weeks until your bird gets comfortable with it. It may take awhile.

Every parrot has his own unique personality and each will prefer a different mode of bathing.

Some things to keep in mind:

• Always bathe your bird when he will have time to dry off before bedtime. If he goes to sleep wet then he might stay wet for a prolonged period and become chilled.
• Baby birds like to nap frequently so it is best not to get them soaking wet or they may not preen themselves enough to dry before their next nap.
• If you have another bird that likes to bathe it is a good idea to allow  the reluctant bather to watch. He may see the other bird having a good time and decide to give it a try himself.
• Fill a spray bottle with warm water and set the spray to a light mist. Spray above the bird so the water falls down like rain from above. This is a favorite way for many birds to bath.
• Spray the bars and perches of your parrotlets cage. Many birds will rub all over the cage and bars and will get wet enough to clean themselves.
• Use a shallow container such as a pie plate, tub, crock, bowl or cup. Fill it with an inch or two of water. Place something interesting in the water. Beads, toys, small pieces of fruit, cheerios or ice cubes. Parrots are very curious and will soon be exploring. Hopefully, they will get in the tub and get wet.
• Many birds love to bath in their water dishes. If this is your little one’s preference, then it is a good idea to change the water after he enjoys his bath.
• Some birds enjoy rubbing themselves against wet greens on the cage floor or clipped to the bars.
• For a fun and interactive way for your bird to bathe, try cupping your hands under a very light stream of water from the faucet. Your bird may take a drink and then toss water all over himself, fluff out and take a bath right in your hand.
• Place a washcloth in the bottom of a clean sink or shallow dish and fill with an inch or so of water. Let your bird get right in.

• Shower with your bird. Use a shower perch , place him on the shower rail or on a towel bar (if it is too slippery then place a towel on the bar first). Some birds love the mist and humidity, others will want to get right in the spray.
• Wrap your bird in a very wet washcloth and rub him until he is wet. Once he learns to like the feeling of being wet he may enjoy other forms of bathing as well.