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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 and 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. African Greys require a misting or bath at least once a week to help promote preening.
Spraying water upwards to simulate rain like this is more accepting to your parrot than spraying directly into the bird's face. You will know if your parrot likes this treatment as he will run from the spray if he doesn't.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 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 therefore 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 bird's 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 bird do the work. This is more natural as it allows them to clean as and when they please.
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 too cold water as this may become as a real shock to your bird. 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, namely your local Avian Vet or Nurse.
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