Do You Wash Your Parakeet?

Bathing is a beneficial grooming routine for parakeets, as it helps relieve dry skin, cuts down on dander production and puts your bird in a better mood. There are several methods of bathing your parakeet, as well as things to consider before giving your parakeet a bath, such as frequency and bathing methods to avoid.

  1. Parakeet Preferences

    • Parakeets have their own preferences for washing up. Some birds love to splash around in a bowl of water, while others will hide at the sight of you bringing anything other than their water or feeding dish. The birds that do not like to take baths will usually preen themselves or rub against wet vegetables in their cage to stay clean. With some luck, they may warm up to bathing. If you have other parakeets to bathe, spray them lightly with a water bottle or let them splash around in a cup of shallow water. Your bird may get jealous and may demand that he, too, be sprayed or have time to splash around. If not, very lightly spray him here and there when bathing your other birds. He may eventually warm up to it.

    Providing Several Options

    • Your parakeet should have several bathing options available to him. Leave a shallow dish of water inside of his cage so that he can roll around in it. If you don't want water everywhere, place a towel down outside of his cage and lay the dish on top of it. Or, fill up a water mister and lightly spray him with it. If he enjoys it, he'll show you by spreading his wings or wagging his tail to welcome more water. Some parakeets enjoy splashing around in a sink. To prevent slips and injuries, lay a mat in the sink to cover the drain and provide some traction. Fill the sink no more than two inches and monitor him while he bathes. Pet stores also sell products designed specially for birds who want to take baths. For example, some stores sell actual functioning bathtubs for birds that come with a mirror, or showers with little perches for bigger birds.

    Frequency

    • Bathe your bird at least two to three times per week. You can bathe your parakeet more often if he enjoy its. Any time of the day is good to bathe your parakeet, but avoid bathing him right before bed. If he doesn't dry all the way, he will go to bed cold, which is very uncomfortable. If you have to wash him before his bedtime, make sure he is completely dry.

    Methods to Avoid

    • Avoid bringing your parakeet in the shower with you, especially if you take a bath. Your parakeet could fall into the water or be sprayed with the shower head and get too much water in his lungs. Do not wash your parakeet with shampoos or other chemical-containing products, unless directed to by your veterinarian. Allow your parakeet to dry himself or assist by dabbing him with a towel. Do not use a hair dryer to help him dry off, as you may accidentally burn him.