Question about bathing

ILOVEKIWI

Member
Dec 15, 2020
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somewhere you'll never find me
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Kiwi GCC
Hi everyone, I gave my 3 month gcc his first bath a few days ago, he didn't seem to hate it which I'm really glad about. I'm wondering how often I should bathe him per week. I read something about how you should bathe your bird more often in the summer than in the winter, (which is logical) but I don't know how many times is too much or too little. It's currently pretty cold where I live not close to snowing, just a little cloudy and windy, but it does get really hot in the summer. So I have no idea how to go about this. After he was done with his bath I made sure he was warm and I let him get out of the sink as soon as he wanted to get out, I made sure that he doesn't have a negative connotation with bathing. So if he wants to, do you think that 2 or 3 times a week is ok in the winter? Sorry if I'm over thinking everything I just really want to make sure that I'm taking care of him to the best of my ability. Thank you so much :heart:
Oh and also how much is too much?
 
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Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Virtually all of my birds despise bathing unless it is on their terms with drinking water bowl! Simple answer is I don't know how much is excessive! Birds in the tropics often experience rain on daily basis but of course have some shelter. I'd imagine twice weekly would not be excessive.

You are on the right track since your GCC did not strenuously object. Main thing is to keep him reasonably warm until dried.

A word of caution - some folks use portable hair dryers to reduce wetness. Be advised many contain Teflon/PFOA or similar deadly coatings that emit lethal fumes at moderately high temps. You won't recognize by "odor," but if present, almost instantly fatal to parrots.
 
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ILOVEKIWI

ILOVEKIWI

Member
Dec 15, 2020
52
4
somewhere you'll never find me
Parrots
Kiwi GCC
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some folks use portable hair dryers to reduce wetness. Be advised many contain Teflon/PFOA or similar deadly coatings that emit lethal fumes at moderately high temps. You won't recognize by "odor," but if present, almost instantly fatal to parrots.
I have thankfully never used and will never use a portable hair dryer to warm him up, but this is good to know, so thank you for telling me! I think I'll start bathing him twice a week from now on if he feels like it. Oh and I might try giving him treats and rewarding him afterwards just make sure they're are no hard feelings. Especially since as soon as he wants to come out I take him out and dry him and warm him immediately, I think he'll be fine. Thank you so much for the helpful reply!
 
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noodles123

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Jul 11, 2018
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Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I turn up the heat in my house if I am bathing- think about how cold it is when you get out of the shower and remember that humans are much better at regulating temp. Never bathe before bed-- they should be dry at night. I generally bathe like once a week or so, sometimes more, but "bathe" is a relative term...She just splashes around in an xl pyrex tray. I spray her more in the summer, but I worry about the cold more in the winter.
 
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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Another bathing solution for Kiwi is with clean spray bottle. This method ideal for introducing to bathing or wishing to lightly coat with water.

I use a new "Dollar Store" bottle that has never stored anything besides fresh, clean water. Most have adjustable nozzle to vary between fine mist to solid spray. Good way to introduce is from a distance of a foot or so, spraying upwards allowing droplets to fall like rain.
 

clark_conure

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Jul 14, 2017
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A crossover Quaker Scuti (F), A Sun conure named AC, A Cinnamon Green Cheek conure Kent, and 6 budgies, Scuti Jr. (f), yellow (m), clark Jr. (m), Dot (f), Zebra(f), Machine (m).
in my experience conures "let you know" when they need a bath. When you run some water and they freak out and start climbing all over you and down you. That means it's a bath day.

At least once a week. I'd say clark does a water freak out about every four days or so.
 

Cagzo

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Jan 14, 2020
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One Pineapple Conure.
Hatched late 2018.
Clark Conure,it sounds as though your GCC is the same as mine bathwise! Every 4th day usually. I put a rectangular pyrex dish in her cage,with luke warm water. She absoloutely loves it and does a dive under from the edge. I did a short video of her last week bathing,but dont know how to post it! Sorry. She dries herself in a warm kitchen.
 

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