Comments on: How to Groom a Parrot

on 7/8/2008 AVOID Step 3 - DO NOT USE Soap/Shampoos on birds.

Never bathe your bird with anything EXCEPT warm water!

The three dustiest bird species are Cockatoos, African Greys, and Cockatiels. Simply misting birds gently with water from a clean spray bottle daily to cut down on the dust and provide adequate humidity for proper feather maintance.

on 1/5/2008 How to See Wild Parrots in the US of A by George Sommers tells you how you can see these fascinating and beautiful birds in the wild - and maybe closer than you think!
-George

on 11/22/2005 Other than medicinal, there is no benefit (and quite a bit of potential damage) to your bird's delicate feather structure that can occur from shampoo use. Most people will shampoo parrots to control feather dust, but the dust is normal and good for your bird. You might wish to place a quiet air filter next to the cage, that will help.

on 11/22/2005 Some birds prefer getting into the shower with you. Birds that don't like misting or the sink will sometimes join you in the shower.

on 11/22/2005 When misting a parrot, spray the mist upwards so it falls on the bird like rain. Some do NOT like to be squirted.

on 11/22/2005 Not all parrots like to have a shower or mist. Some actually like to bathe in water.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of using clippers, try putting a dremel to work using the sanding attachment. It smooths the surfaces and goes so fast it will cauterize as you trim.

on 11/22/2005 It is not necessary to use clippers. Try a regular coarse nail file. It is much less traumatic for you and the bird. Just file one nail at a time every week or so.

on 11/22/2005 Shampoo is bad. As are powders, sprays and any chemicals. For safety's sake, learn parrot hygiene from a parrot veteran. Doing the wrong thing can damage your relationship, hurt, or even kill the bird.

on 11/22/2005 I think shampoo for birds is very healthy for the bank accounts of the companies making them, but not so healthy for the birds. (Ask the parrots in the Amazon rain forests if they use shampoo!) Avoid such chemicals and their long-lasting residue.

on 11/22/2005 Birds do *not* require shampoo to cleanse themselves and the use of shampoos can cause respiratory and skin problems in addition to removing natural oils or 'dust' that the birds require to stay in healthy feather.