Pet Care & Wellness
Bathing Guide for Budgerigars: When and How Should It Be Done?
1. Why Do Budgerigars Need Baths?
-
Keeps feathers clean
-
Maintains skin moisture balance
-
Helps remove dust, dirt, and external parasites
-
Reduces stress levels and provides psychological comfort
In their natural habitat, budgerigars bathe under rainfall. At home, they fulfill this need with your support.
2. How Often Should Budgerigars Bathe?
-
General recommendation: 2–3 times per week
-
In summer, depending on the heat, it can be offered daily
-
In winter, once a week is sufficient
Bathing should never be forced—offer it as an option. On some days, they may show no interest at all, which is completely normal.
3. How Do Budgerigars Show They Want to Bathe?
-
Trying to get into the water bowl
-
Puffing up their feathers and moving toward the water
-
Flapping wings or changing their style of chirping
-
Splashing water or dipping their beak into the water
4. How Should Budgerigars Be Bathed?
a. Small Water Bowl Method:
-
Place a wide and shallow bowl inside the cage.
-
The water level should not go above the bird’s chest.
b. Spray Method:
-
Use a fine mist spray bottle to gently spray water from about 30 cm away.
-
The water should be at room temperature (25–30°C).
c. Direct Tap Method (Use with Caution):
-
Some budgerigars enjoy stepping into a gentle stream of water from the sink.
-
However, be careful about sudden water pressure or cold temperature.
5. Things to Consider After Bathing
-
Allow the bird to dry naturally in a warm, draft-free, and calm environment.
-
Never use devices such as hair dryers.
-
Sunlight exposure is beneficial, but it should not be direct or prolonged.
-
Do not disturb the bird while it is preening its feathers.
6. When Should Budgerigars Not Be Bathed?
-
If the bird is sick, weak, or showing signs of a cold.
-
If the environment is too cold or drying is not possible.
-
If it is a young bird whose feathers have not fully developed.
In such cases, if bathing is not absolutely necessary, it is best to postpone it.
Conclusion
When done correctly, bathing enhances your budgerigar’s quality of life and strengthens the bond of trust between you and your bird. It should be a natural and enjoyable experience, never a forced one.
Remember: “For a bird, bathing is not only a need but also a relaxation ritual. Observe whether it is ready and respect its choice.”
