You must get irritated when seeing your budgies dirty and then wonder how about washing your pet which will give a fresh look to your bird. Today, we will discuss parakeet bathing and whether it is necessary or not.
In the wild, parakeets wash in the rain or the puddles but captive budgies have not got this freedom so pet owners should give a bath to their pets regularly in summer while occasionally in winter.
If you have owned a budgie then you must be aware of its messy behavior which makes them dirty now and then.
Budgies exhibit a messy behavior akin to that of human toddlers, engaging in silly activities that result in them becoming dirty. Nevertheless, we cherish their innocence.
Should I Bathe My Parakeet?
There are several benefits of bathing your cute parakeets and some are mentioned below,
Maintaining Feather Health
Bathing helps to keep a budgie’s feathers in good condition by removing dirt, dust, and poop that can accumulate on their feathers. Regular baths can prevent feather plucking and help keep feathers from becoming brittle and breaking.
Stimulating Physical Activity
Bathing can provide an opportunity for parakeets to exercise and play. They may flap their wings and jump in and out of the water, which can help them stay fit and healthy.
Enhancing Mental Stimulation
Bathing can provide mental stimulation for parakeets by offering a new and fun experience. It can also encourage natural behaviors, such as playing in water or preening.
Preventing Skin Irritation
Bathing can help prevent skin irritation and dryness, which can lead to feather picking and other skin problems.
Preventing the Risk of Bacterial Infections
Bathing helps to keep a parakeet’s skin and feathers clean, which can reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infections.
A Guide to Budgies Bathing
Bathing is an important part of budgie care and can help maintain their health and well-being. Here are several things to consider before giving a bath to your budgie.
Methods for a Bath
First, you would need to consider which method your pet prefers. There are several methods for washing your parakeet.
1. Water Bottle Spray Budgie Bath
If your budgie does not like to dive into water bowls and does not like water then you can try spraying them with lukewarm water.
2. Replicate a Natural Budgie Bath
You can also choose to hang a damp leafy branch in the cage of your birdie with which it can rub the body and enjoy.
3. Shallow Water Bowl for Bath
Provide them with a shallow water bowl in which your cute budgie can dive while raising its wings.
4. Shallow Water Bowl with a Favorite Treat for Bath
If your parakeets are not a fan of bathing you may also try to add their favorite treat such as celery to the shallow water bowl and they might jump into the water and enjoy eating while bathing.
5. Use a Slightly Damp Towel for a Bath
If your parakeet does not love bathing and you wish to clean them from the mess they have on their feathers then you can use a slightly damp towel and gently wash your budgie with it.
6. Provide a Shower Perch
Some budgies may prefer to bathe while perched on a shower perch in the bathroom. Turn on a gentle stream of lukewarm water and let your bird sit on the perch, enjoying the spray.
Do Budgies Like Warm or Cold Baths?
Most budgies prefer lukewarm water for their baths. You can offer slightly cool or mildly hot water in summer or winter but lukewarm is always the safest option. If they do not like the water temperature then they may avoid taking a bath.
It’s a good idea to test the water temperature with your wrist before offering it to your budgie to ensure it is not too hot or cold.
Can I Wash my Parakeet with Soap?
Soaps are dangerous for your birds and we do not recommend using soap when washing your parakeet as soaps have chemicals that can stay on your pet’s feathers and might end up in their stomach while they preen.
Soap can also be harsh on their delicate skin and can strip their feathers, which can lead to dryness and irritation.
Budgies can clean themselves naturally with preening and regular bathing with water can be sufficient to keep them clean and healthy.
How do you Dry a Bird after a Bath?
Always dry your budgie after it has finished bathing, offer them a towel, or let them air dry in a warm, draft-free area if it is summer. Make sure your bird is completely dry before returning them to their cage, as damp feathers cause them to sneeze.
Why is my Bird Shivering after Bath?
If you have not dried your budgie after bathing then it is common for your budgies to shiver after bathing, especially if the water was cooler than their body temperature.
Shivering is the body’s natural way of generating heat to maintain its core temperature. When a bird’s feathers are wet, they lose heat more rapidly than when they are dry, which can cause them to shiver.
How Often Should I Give my Budgie a Bath?
You can give baths to your budgies daily in summer if you wish as it will be safe to wash them because of the temperature. This will also keep them cool and save them from the hot temperature.
While in winter, you should lower the frequency of bathing and if you feel that you need to wash your budgie then you can use a slightly damp towel to clean their feathers gently.
Can Budgie Bath in Winter?
Yes, budgies can bathe in winter as well, however, it is important to take some precautions to ensure they don’t get too cold.
Use Slightly Warm Water
You can adjust the water temperature from lukewarm to slightly warmer than usual to help your parakeet maintain their body heat.
Bath your Budgie Earlier in the Day
It’s also a good idea to bathe your budgie earlier in the day so they have plenty of time to dry off before it gets dark and colder.
Use a Damp Towel Instead
Using a damp towel to clean your budgie is better than showering in winter to ensure their safety.
