How to Bathe Parakeets

Clip your parakeet's flight feathers so he does not fly during bathtime.

In the wild, parakeets fly through tall wet grass to clean their skin and feathers. In captivity, a parakeet needs a regular bathing routine two to three times each week. Unlike humans, parakeets do not need to be completely submerged in the water to receive a bath's benefits. Offering a shallow tin of water or misting your parakeet with a squirt bottle is all he needs. Your parakeet's personality determines which of these two methods he prefers.

Things You'll Need

• Pie pan
• Squirt bottle

Instructions

1. Fill a pie pan with approximately a half an inch of room temperature water. Place the pan on a flat surface, such as the floor or a table.

2. Remove your parakeet from its cage. Carry the parakeet over to the pie pan and encourage it to step onto the pan's lip.

3. Wait and watch. It may take a few attempts before the parakeet figures out what it should do. To help encourage it, fill a squirt bottle with room temperature water. Mist the air above the parakeet so the water droplets fall onto the parakeet's back.

Tips & Warnings

• Bird baths which mount to your parakeet's cage are available at your local pet store. Change the water in these baths daily.

References

• Bark Rescue: Parakeet Care Sheet
• Keet Corner: Parakeet FAQ
• Priceless Parrots: Parrot Bathing and Showering