How To Make Your Bird Comfortable When Bathing

Since there are some birds that are not comfortable with bathing yet, you might have to try several things to help get them used to the water and to bathing. There are several different options that you can try to get your bird comfortable when bathing so that you can figure out what they will enjoy and what will work the best for them an dyou. Some birds will love the feeling of a trickling shower, some prefer a fine mist, others prefer to dunk themselves in a small pool of water - but remember that every bird is different. If you are having a hard time getting your bird to take a bath, try one of these three suggestions:

1. Shower For Two: Since birds are naturally social creatures, many birds will enjoy taking a bath with their owner. There are even some special bird products that you can purchase for this shower time, such as sprayers and shower perches. If you decide to introduce your friend to a shower, it's better to do so with a lot of patience. Allow your bird to watch you in the show before trying to get them to join you. Let your bird decice on their own that the shower is a friendly thing and not something that will hurt it.

2. Soothing Mist: Sometimes a fine mist from a spray bottle is the best way to get a bird use to water and to give them a bath without too much shock. Since a lot of caged birds originate from warm, tropical, or humid climates, the spray can help to rehydrate their nasal cavities as well as help clean them. If you want to go this route, make sure that you have only clean, warm water in the spray bottle. Use only a brand new spray bottle, not anything that you've used for another purpose. This way, you can be sure that there are no chemical residues in the bottle that can harm your bird.

3. Dip In The Sink: If these two suggestions don't work, you can always try a dip in the sick. Pool a bit of warm water in your sink and have your bird step down into it. There is a great chance that your bird's natural bathing instinct will take over and they will be happily splashing away in no time. If you have a smaller bird that is reluctant to stand in the sink, try to cup the water in your palms and let your pet sit on the side of your thumb. Sometimes just knowing that you are there and feeling your hands under their feet will help them and it will be a great bonding experience for both of you.

Take a good look at your bird's reactions to these different suggestions and take note of the one that your bird likes the most. Of course, this is only half of the bathing equation when it comes to birds. You also need to figure out how often your bird needs a bath as well as how to coax a picky or flighty bird into the bath.

How To Bathe Your Bird

Just like any pet, birds too need baths. The problem comes when new owners aren't sure about how to bathe birds and some birds haven't been conditioned to accept baths yet. Many tamed birds don't realize that daily showers would be a part of their natural daily grooming activities in the wild. It can take an effort on your part to learn what grooming methods will work the best for your new bird, but even the most reluctant birds can be conditioned to accept it. Here are some helpful rules to follow when bathing your bird:

1. Plain clear water ONLY: Even though some pet stores and companies offer commercial "bird shampoos", the best way to wash a bird is with plain water. Since birds produce a special oil that they preen their feathers with, soap can easily strip this oil away and cause health problems with your friend.

2. Bathe only during the warmest part of the day: Wet birds can easily get chilled and this can be a major health hazard. So, make sure that you bathe your bird during the warmest part of the day so that their feather's have a chance to dry completely before the temperature drops before nightfall. You also want to make sure that your home isn't too cold inside before you give your bird a bath.

3. Water temperature is key: Make sure that you check the water temperature before you allow your bird to get in it. Too hot or too cold water can shock a bird's system, or cause serious health problems like burns. Always check the temperature of the water before hand and make sure that it isn't too hot or cold. It should be right at room temperature or lukewarm.

4. Don't saturate your bird's feathers: Since wild birds don't allow their feathers to get completely soaked through, you should not allow this either. This can lead to your bird losing body heat and impare their flight.

5. Don't rush or force your bird: If your bird seriously fights against bathing, you want to make sure that you ease them into bathing. It might take a while for them to be completely comfortable, but it will happen. If you force your bird to get in the water or rush them to do so, they may rebel against it even more.

Simply follow these few rules when bathing your bird and you will find that they will start to truly enjoy bathing.