{"id":4895,"date":"2022-09-24T04:12:10","date_gmt":"2022-09-24T03:12:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinkparrot.com\/?p=4895"},"modified":"2023-09-28T05:50:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T04:50:07","slug":"how-to-bath-shower-your-parrot","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkparrot.com\/how-to-bath-shower-your-parrot\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Bath\/Shower your Parrot"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In the wild, parrots bathe in the rain, dripping leaves, pools or streams, so we should try to replicate that in captivity. Bathing is important for skin and feather condition. Bathing, showering, misting helps dislodge debris, dust and loose feathers, plus it keeps dander down which can benefit the respiratory system. Brittle, dry feathers can cause feather destructive behaviour whereas wet feathers encourage healthy preening \u2013 zipping the feather barbs together again. Plus bathing\/showering is a great source of enrichment!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Bobbie enjoying a misting in the aviary<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Water<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Plain water or water with the addition of a few drops of organic apple cider vinegar is ideal. Personally I like to use filtered, bottled or distilled water (distilled water should not be used for drinking as it is devoid of important minerals like calcium and magnesium). Aloe Vera tends to coat the feathers which builds up over time. If you have to use Aloe, allow for plain showers\/baths too, to help remove the coating. Soap or detergent is usually best avoided as it will dry out the skin and feathers, as can preparations\/sprays containing alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Temperature<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Different parrots like different temperatures of water \u2013 experiment to see which is preferable for your individual bird. I tend to fill the spray bottle with hot water in the winter so that the spray comes out tepid, and in the summer I use cold water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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If choosing a spray bottle, thoroughly clean it beforehand and then only use that particular bottle for your bird. Label it! I buy trigger spray bottles with chemical resistant heads for cars (either 1 litre or 750ml) from eBay, because I find being heavy duty they last for ages and have a good spray. They can have different coloured nozzles so you can choose one to suit your particular parrot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kobe gets sprayed on the Atom<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Bath or shower?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Again, individual parrots have different preferences. Some birds love to be sprayed until they are soaked through, others prefer a fine mist. Some birds like to dunk their heads and bodies under a dripping kitchen tap whilst others prefer to clamber in and out of a shallow bowl, or even their cage water bowl. Yet others love bathing in wet leaves or if you are lucky enough to have an aviary (or travel cage), in the rain as nature intended.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Congo African Greys, Grumpy and Clayton, having fun in the kitchen sink. Photo with kind permission of Oliver Fry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bobbie bathing in her water bowl<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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If your parrot decides to bathe in his\/her cage water bowl, be sure to change the water immediately afterwards \u2013 you\u2019ll be shocked at the dirty and undrinkable water!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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English Budgie, Boo, bathing in wet parsley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Another option is to take your bird in the shower with you. Make sure the water temperature is tepid and that they can get out of the spray if they want to. But also be aware that chlorine, disinfection by-products and other water pollutants in tap water are vaporised in a steamy shower and can be absorbed by a parrot\u2019s very efficient respiratory system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the mood<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Try switching on the vacuum cleaner to get your parrot in the mood for a shower. It works wonders! They say the sound is akin to a tropical rainforest downpour. Rain beating down on a conservatory roof, or a running hair dryer can have the same effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have more than one bird, showering them together (ie. in the same room) tends to encourage the less enthusiastic individuals as they see their flock mates enjoy the experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Kobe, Ollie and Bobbie getting misted in and on Kobe’s cage – Bobbie (top right) needed some encouragement!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Be enthusiastic about the shower yourself maybe by splashing the bowl with your fingers or whooping it up as you spray!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JoeJoe is used to being sprayed or showering in the rain. He showed no interest in the bowl of water until dandelion flowers were thrown in, and sometimes organic strawberries! You could also try adding leaves or other favourite fruits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Watch JoeJoe’s first dip in a bowl with dandelions below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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