Bathing Birds

Some birds, like cockatiels and other small parrots, enjoy baths. Some, such as big parrots, prefer to be misted in a lukewarm "shower," while others, such as many canaries, don’t enjoy either. All birds need to be bathed at least on occasion to maintain a healthy plumage.

You should allow your pet birds to determine the bathing routine, giving a shower to those birds who prefer showers, and bath to those who like to wash in a tub. Birds who really take to water should be given a shower or bath often.

Use lukewarm water (and never any soap) for a bird’s bath or shower. Always keep a bird’s bath water separate from drinking water.

A bird should never be "rubbed or scrubbed" clean. Customers should just allow their pet to splash in a bath or be sprayed with a mister.

Do not wet a bird "through to the skin" when spraying. It’s only necessary to mist the feathers. Some species, such as parrots, should receive at least twice-weekly showers to keep itchy powder from developing on feathers.

A plastic bowl or basin makes a good bird bath (depending on the size of the bird). Keep water shallow in relation to the bird, and supervise closely to prevent drowning.

Give bird a bath or shower in an area that is not exposed to drafts, and make sure that bird is not exposed to drafts during dry-off period.

Spraying birds with feather conditioners from PSP will enhance plumage.