Can I Bathe My Cockatiel?

Birds in the wild bathe themselves, and birds in captivity are no different. Pet cockatiels need baths to keep clean and healthy. Household birds may resort to dipping into their water bowls when they feel the need for a bath. This can be a clear sign to a pet owner that it is bath time. By offering your pet the opportunity to bathe every day, you can help to keep your pet healthy and happy.

  1. Benefits of Bathing

    • Aside from keeping feathers clean, weekly bathing helps to prevent dry skin. Bathing keeps the kerotin lining on new feathers thin, so that it can quickly shed from the bird. Bathing also helps to keep feather dust in check, cutting down on the amount on the bird and in the cage. Feather dust can make your cockatiel sick if inhaled, so bathing helps to keep your pet healthy. Additionally, many cockatiels enjoy the water, making bath time a positive part of the day.

    Methods of Bathing

    • Birds may bathe in several different ways. Some cockatiels prefer one method or another, or may enjoy them all. Cockatiels can bathe in an inch of tepid water in a shallow pan or dish. They may also enjoy being misted by a spray bottle. Cockatiels can bathe in a sink, but it needs to be disinfected and rinsed thoroughly to avoid illness. The bird may also show interest in showering with you. Keep the water from getting hot, and position the stream so that it never directly hits the bird.

    Bathing Accommodations

    • Cockatiels and other birds should bathe in the morning. This is important to make sure that they have enough time to dry before going to sleep at night. Make sure that windows are closed to avoid giving a wet bird a chill. Always allow a bird's feathers to dry naturally after a bath; a blow dryer will dry out a bird's skin and can be dangerous. Dry excess water from your bird with a clean towel.

    Introducing Baths

    • Some birds take to water immediately, but for others it can be a challenge. A reflective dish may pique a bird's interest in a shallow-dish bath. If you want to encourage your bird, give praise and use handheld treats as a reward after a bath. Misting yourself with the spray bottle shows the bird sees that it is not threatening. Offer your cockatiel different types of baths, and after a few weeks, he or she should become comfortable with at least one of them.