How to Bathe a Bird

New bird owners often have questions about the proper ways to bathe their birds. The truth is, there are few right answers.

Every bird is an individual, and as such, will display unique characteristics in regards to grooming behavior. Some birds love to play in the water, and relish their time in the bath. Some birds have not been conditioned to accept bathing,
and resist contact with water, despite the fact that daily showers would be a part of their natural grooming activity in the wild.

While at times it can take some effort on the part of the owner to single out the grooming methods that will work for a particular bird, bathing is important to a bird's health and even reluctant birds must be conditioned to accept it.

The Rules of Bathing

While various bathing methods abound, there are a few simple rules that apply to bathing all pet birds:

1. Use only plain, clear water. Although some pet supply companies market commercial "bird shampoos", the best and safest way to bathe your bird is with plain water. Birds produce a special oil that they preen their feathers with, and this oil can be stripped through the use of soaps or detergents. This can result in unhealthy feathers and unhappy birds.
2. Only bathe your bird during the warmest part of the day. Wet birds easily get chilled, which can be a serious health hazard. Bathe your bird during a warm part of the day so that your bird's feathers have a chance to dry completely before the temperature drops towards nightfall.
3. Make sure the water is a comfortable temperature. Water that is too hot or cold can shock a bird's system, not to mention causing burns and a host of other serious conditions. Always check the temperature of the water before offering your bird a bath. Many birds prefer their bath water to be lukewarm or room temperature.
4. Never saturate your bird's feathers. In the wild, birds never allow their feathers to become completely soaked through. This can lead to loss of body heat and flight impairment. Except in extreme circumstances, it should never be necessary to completely soak a pet bird.

If you always follow these simple rules of bathing, you can ensure that bathtime for your pet will be a safe activity, no matter which bathing techniques you may choose.