Photo by Dave Location: Centralia, WA Pictured: Camelot macaw "Comet" and Blue throated macaw "Jinx"

 

Sadly, in the bird world, most people only get their bird wet as either a form of punishment (which by the way, DOESN’T WORK so stop punishing if you do this!) or in a forceful bath that they assume their bird won’t otherwise take.   We all know baths are healthy for pet parrots, and because of all the dander they have on their bodies, they need frequent bathing to feel clean and not over preen or begin plucking behaviors. Bathing also ensures their plumage (feathers) will keep a nice color and be healthy too. We all like feeling clean, and we all like playing and getting dirty, birds are no different and need both. I know plenty of birds that make soup with their water and food, and find ways to play and rough house either alone or with other birds. Comet, my macaw, likes to hang out below all the other birds and always ends up getting pooped on! I hate seeing that white poopy smear on his beautiful feathers. Lucky for me, he is willing to take a bath at the very sight of water! The biggest factors for keeping your bird clean and healthy are: Frequent bathing (5-7 times per week in the Spring and Summer months, 3-5 in the Winter months)

• Fresh raw veggies dark in color
• An organic pellet diet (key word: ORGANIC! Not that colored crap that’s high in sugar.)
• Natural sunlight! Nothing is better for their attitude and plumage. The difference in coloration will blow you away.
• Lots of space so that they aren’t breaking their own feathers from being crammed in a tight space.

Article by Jamieleigh Womach. She has been working with parrots and toucans since the age of 17. She isn’t homeless but is home less than she prefers to be. She travels the world with her husband, daughter, and a flockful of parrots whom she shares the stage with.