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Methods of Bathing

There are a variety of methods one can use in bathing their birds. Showers, pans, bowls, sinks, spray-bottles, and taking them in the shower with us have been cited as some of the most common methods used in bathing our birds. Bathrooms are the ultimate environments in the home, as the water from a wet, flapping bird is easily contained in this area. T-stands, shower perches, and natural branches rigged up in the bathtub or shower stall provide excellent perching for birds during their shower.

For the small-footed species, such as lovebirds, budgies, pionus, and cockatiels, I suggest using one of those wooden clothes drying racks that fit into the tub area. They are collapsible and, when set up, provide a multilevel perching area for several birds to bathe in a "flock-oriented" situation. Since the dowels on these racks are small, the smaller species of parrots are able to perch safely. Safe perching should be of great concern when bathing all species of parrots. If the perch apparatus you are using is slippery when wet you may wish to wrap it with a non-toxic tape to add to the "grip" for your bird. I personally do not use a wall-mounted shower perch for the mere fact that the bird is not allowed the proper space to move about freely while attempting to bathe. Being placed so close to the wall restricts the movement of the bird. I prefer to use a T-stand that I simply lift and place into the bathtub. Whatever method you choose, be certain that it allows for free movement of the bird for it to exhibit its natural bathing behaviors.

For the larger species I suggest using a tension rod designed for holding a shower curtain. This can be placed the length of the bathtub, providing a wide surface area for freedom of movement for the bird. Wrapping this in tape will add to the gripping surface and provide a safe perching area. Safe perching during the shower process is essential for your bird to feel secure. A parrot that falls from the perch during a shower may always equate the water with falling. This scenario has occurred and recovery can be long and arduous in getting the parrot to bathe again. Use caution and consider your every move in dealing with your parrot.

The Pool Bathers

Many species of parrot prefer the pool-bathing method. When you consider the "heritage" of your bird you may find that its family has evolved along rivers, lakes, and streams. With these environments in mind, your bird may be a pool-bather. I hear many people say, in a dejected tone of voice, "My parrot won't shower, he bathes in a bowl, pan, or dish." That's okay! It is not wise to attempt to change a bird's natural behavior simply because it doesn't fit in with what we think it should be doing. To shower a pool-bather does not allow the bird to live up to its full, natural potential as a bather. They require a pool to get the job done. Providing space for them to do it in is something you can assist them with. I suggest using a clean, unused paint-roller tray of a neutral color. The tray will simulate a riverbank, allowing the bird to move into the water in a natural fashion, rather than hanging onto the edge of a bowl or pan. Placing wet paper towels on the slope that goes into the water gives them what I call "soft feet" or the sensation of mud on a riverbank. A more natural approach to bathing stimulates natural bathing behaviors. (Water temperature for pool-bathers will be addressed later in this article.) Providing wet leaves in the cage is also beneficial to pool-bathers, although this should not take the place of a proper bath. Rolling about in wet leaves is absolutely thrilling for some parrots. Be certain that the branches are washed well of any potential pesticides before you introduce them to the cage or any area to which your birds would have access.

Species-Specific Bathing Behavior

(author's note: While behaviors cited are under certain species-specific catagories, the information presented may be applicable to genera/species outside of its topic heading.)

The Cockatoos

The majority of our pet cockatoos come from a long line of island dwellers in regions of high temperatures, extreme humidity, and rainfall averages of 1" to 250+" per year. Your lovable Umbrella, Mollucan, Sulphur Cresteds, and Goffins are from the islands in and around Indonesia, Micronesia, New Guinea and points thereabouts. Australia holds airspace for the Gallahs (Rosebreasteds), Corellas (Slender-bills and Bare-Eyed), Major Mitchell's (Leadbeater's) and a variety of the Black cockatoos. It must also be mentioned that not all of Australia consists of dry grasslands. The eastern end of the continent has large rainforest tracts that are inhabited by many species of cockatoos. In the drier areas of Australia, the cockatoos will follow the rains throughout the continent for bathing and the abundance of food that it will afford as a result.

Unfortunately, there are very few individuals of the larger Australian species mentioned above that are kept as pets in the United States, so it is fairly safe to assume that your particular species of cockatoo comes from a lineage that developed somewhere in an island group in or about the equatorial region of the world.

Cockatoos exhibit a particular bathing behavior that is unique to them. They perform what I call a "wide surface area strut or stroll" with wings in full lateral extension they will stroll along a large surface area to reap the benefit of falling water. Providing a shower curtain tension rod to this genus of parrot can be beneficial for the exhibition of natural bathing behavior. Showering with your cockatoo is fine, as they reap the benefit of the added moisture and humidity, but they should be allowed to shower on their own since we tend to get in the way of their natural behavior.

There has been some discussion as to whether or not to soak the cockatoo. Some are of the opinion that you should not soak the cockatoo to the point of compromising the powder. I am of the opinion that "we should soak 'em and soak 'em good!" Film footage of cockatoos in the wild reveals that they will get so wet that you can see their beautiful, black skin. In light of the rainfall averages and the plucking problems associated with the cockatoos, perhaps we should try getting them real wet.

The Amazons

The amazons are among the most showering-est parrots I have encountered. Nothing is as readily accepted by an amazon as is a shower. They relish it. In a natural environment they will hang from vines and branches to reap the full benefit of falling rain. To provide for the natural behavior of the amazon I suggest hanging a plastic chain from a hook in the ceiling over the tub area. Placing the perch in close proximity allows the amazon to climb the chain while it is being sprayed. They flap and fly in the water exhibiting a joyous response to the water in this species-specific bathing behavior.

The Macaws

Through my studies and research I have found that most macaw owners take their bird in the shower with them. As with the cockatoo (or any parrot) this does have its benefits by providing the needed moisture and humidity. Unfortunately, a large macaw is not able to exhibit natural bathing behavior because we are always in the way. It becomes difficult for them to unfurl those expansive wings and just swinging that tail around becomes a full-time occupation for them. A shower on their own is essential for their good hygiene. The macaws will also exhibit a tendency toward pool-bathing. If your macaw is not excited with the prospect of a shower, perhaps you should introduce him to a large sink or tub with lightly running water to see if he would prefer a pool-bath. They exhibit the behavior of sliding in and out of the water like a seal, moving water in and out of the sink with them. Have towels handy and be prepared to have some fun.

The African Greys

My problem children. Greys present me with my most challenging problems in bathing. Some love the bath, some resist it. This is surprising since the rainfall averages in their regions of distribution range from 80" to 250" and up to 400" west of the Cameroon Mountains. With this information on hand, it becomes a mystery as to why some greys are so resistant to bathing. Perhaps, with the greys, it all relies on early behavioral education and observation. I speculate that the early socialization of pre-fledged greys to bathing is essential for these birds to become good bathers in the future. If you have a young grey it would be wise to start the bathing process as soon a possible, moving slowly and with infinite patience. If you are breeding African greys, do your utmost to socialize these young birds to bathing by lightly misting them with water on a towel on a flat surface. African greys, like the macaws, can go either way in their preference for bathing.

Some greys will shower, others will pool- bathe. Provide them their preference and don't try to force the issue if it's not the method you would prefer. Slow and easy is the way of the grey. Many people have told me that they cannot even get their grey to go into the bathroom with them. I have worked with several greys employing what I call the "let's go see the pretty birdie in the mirror" technique. You are essentially creating a diversion by taking the bird into the bathroom to see itself in the mirror. In the sweetest voice you can muster tell him "let's go see the pretty birdie in the mirror" and simply take him to the mirror. Do this for several days.

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