Birds are beautiful little creatures. Their vivid colors and charming personalities can bring cheer and joy into any household. Polly does need proper grooming to keep those bright feathers clean, so she’ll need regular baths. A Langford, BC vet offers some advice on this below.
Time It Right
Polly will need quite a while to dry off once she’s gotten wet. She can get chilled easily if it’s cool out. Don’t give your bird her bath just before bed, or when it’s cold. Ideally, you’ll want to give your feathered pal several hours in a bright, sunny room.
Try Different Options
Birds all have their own preferences on how they like to be bathed. Big birds, such as parrots, may like a perch in the shower. Others may prefer birdbaths. Polly might also like splashing in the sink or a small rubber container. Another option is to use a spray bottle to spritz your pet with water. This usually sparks a round of preening. Try a few different things, and see what your cute pet seems to enjoy.
Don’t Use Soap
Don’t use soap to wash your winged buddy. This will strip the oils from her skin. She could also ingest suds, which isn’t good. Plain water will do the trick. If your bird gets something spilled on her feathers, ask your vet for advice.
Get The Water Right
Most birds can’t swim, and can’t really fly with wet feathers. Being submerged in water is very dangerous for Polly! If you’re giving your bird a little ‘pool’ bath, make sure that the water isn’t any deeper than her knees or thighs. The water should be lukewarm, not hot.
Use The Opportunity
While your colorful pal is out of her cage, take the time to give it a good scrubbing. You’ll also want to clean and disinfect her dishes, toys, and perches. Don’t put things back the same way: rearranging and refreshing things will help keep Polly from getting bored.
Supervise
Birds are small, but they have a way of getting into mischief. Keep a close eye on your pet during her beauty sessions. If you have a dog and/or cat, keep Fluffy and Fido in another room during Polly’s bath.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Langford, BC animal clinic, we’re here for you!
