How to Dry a Bird After a Bath

It is important to bathe your bird on a regular basis. Parrots and other large bird species require a bath daily during the heat of the summer. The need becomes twice a week, during the colder months. A bath or shower helps the birds remove dry skin, dander and dead feathers more efficiently than grooming alone. The bath also softens the new feathers (pin feathers) that are growing in, which can at times cause discomfort for your feathered friend. There are several ways for your bird to dry after his bath, each of which will require some preparation by you.

Things You'll Need

  • Warm room
  • Soft towel
  • Blow-dryer
  • Infrared heat panels
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Instructions

    • 1

      Let your bird air dry. Most birds are completely capable of drying themselves. They shake and puff out their feathers just as they do when they bathe in the wild. Just make sure that you allow your bird to dry himself off in a warm room.

    • 2

      Offer her a towel. Most birds are not happy when they see a towel coming at them. And for most, this is because a process known as toweling is often used to cut their nails. But if you feel that you must help the drying process along, gently wipe your bird with a soft, clean towel in the same direction that her feathers grow.

    • 3

      Blow-dry your bird. A blow-dryer needs to be used carefully on a bird. It should be set on the lowest air and heat settings, at least an arm's length away, and should also not be pointed directly at the bird. Back and forth sweeping motions should be used during the drying process.

    • 4

      Purchase infrared heat panels. You may want to consider purchasing a few infrared heat panels, if you are afraid that you cannot provide your bird with enough heat to keep him warm after his bath. These panels attach directly to the cage, providing a safe heat source for a wet bird.

    • 5

      Sit your bird out in the sun. Birds love to sit in the sun, and if you place her favorite perch in a sunny spot, you will not have to worry about her being too cold or too wet. She will essentially drip dry on her own after her bath.