It's fun to let your little feathered child get all clean and pretty. But there are a few things that can make the experience a bit more fun and safe for both of you. Here are a few tips to help you and your feathered child bathe safely.
Photo credit to the UK Cockatoo Sanctuary & Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!
Photo credit to the UK Cockatoo Sanctuary & Rescue.
Click their name to learn more about this great rescue!
Keep The Water Luke Warm: Make sure your water isn't too hot or too cold. If it's too hot, obviously it could burn your cockatoo's skin. But it could also ruin their feathers by removing the oil that keeps them healthy and shiny. It should be slightly warmer than room temperature. Test it with your elbow to make sure it's not too hot. Your hands typically have a higher tolerance to heat and might not give an accurate reading.
Let Them Get Accustomed To It On Their Own: Don't force your bird to hop right in. Each cockatoo is different. Some will take to bathing right away. Other's will be more timid and really have to 'test the water' before bathing. It isn't necessary that your bird bathes if they don't want to. Be patient and tune into them. If they're playing in their water dish- they'll probably be more open to a bath at that time. If they're not in the mood- don't force it. Let them jump in at their own pace.
Inspire Them With Toys: Put some fun stuff in the water. Things like ping pong balls and plastic mirrors can inspire your cockatoo's curiosity and make them want to hop right in. Even hanging a sprig of millet spray above the water will give them an incentive to get a little wet.
Keep It Shallow: Never have your water more than three or four inches high. Keep it shallow! You want it to be easy for your bird to move around and you want to prevent them from getting stuck or worse- drowning.
Make Bath Time Fun: Play with your bird and let them know that splashing around is a way to have fun. Splash around with your hand. Once your cockatoo is in the bath drip some water over their head and let them 'get showered'. Scratch the back of their head while they're playing and talk cheerfully to them so they relate bathing to getting attention. It will make it a more positive and rewarding activity for both of you.
Dry Them Off Completely: It is really important that you dry your bird completely once they've bathed. leaving them soaking wet can cause them to get chilled- which sometimes leads to them getting ill. Take a towel and dry them off as best you can. Keep them in a warm part of your home until they've completely dried off. Never put them back in their cage soaking wet. Towel them before making them go back to perching (it will speed up the drying process).
