Dust baths?

[ParrotRick]

I haven't really seen anyone mention dust baths relating to parrots. Does anyone provide a dust bath for their bird? It seems natural for most species of bird to do this occasionally for feather management and for parasite control as it absorbs excess oils on the feathers and they then shake it off. But is this just absent from parrot behaviour?

 

[clark_conure]

I'm no expert, but I've not seen it in my conure handbook, which was nowhere near this website....nor recently in any forums, do a search on the menu bar and see if there is any threads to it, I ,but i"m doing a few things right now... post back if theres a good thread I'm intrigued. If it's an actual "thing" it will be on here somewhere.

 

[Kiwibird]

I am unsure about old world parrots who come from different climates where rain may not be a year round thing, but new world parrots (amazons, macaws, conures etc... native to the americas and surrounding islands) need to be bathed with water regularly and definitely should not be given dirt or dust. They will most likely eat it (which could come with host of problems), not coat themselves in it and it could cause skin and eye irritation if they did. I would consult with an avian vet before offering any kind of "dust" or dirt to your parrot.