First bath

[aufde]

I don't know the last time my GCC was given a bath at the pet store and now I've had him for 2 days and want to give him his first bath. I know that conures are naturally clean animals and will bathe themselves if given the opportunity. I put a dish full of water at the bottom of his cage (it was probably too small) but he didn't do anything but poop in it. What size dish should I use and should I put it at the bottom or buy one to hang on the side of his cage?

He's not quite trained for consistent handling so I don't feel comfortable taking him to a sink or anything like that for his bath. I'm sure I'll figure out what he likes best eventually, but I want to get him one sooner than later to keep his feathers healthy.

 

[Joeyx]

i'd put a shallow dish that's about twice his size if you can, so he can jump inside it and
bathe comfortably without having to worry about bumping into the edges.

 

[lexx510]

Give him time to adjust. They're naturally weary of most new things. Guava ignored her bathing bowl, too, at first. Now she'll even dive into the kitchen sink when we're doing the dishes.

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gfBHCSlzGR8]Green cheek conure bird bath - YouTube[/ame]

 

[aliray]

really cute video Alison and sweetie pie

 

[KatherineI]

My Loki doesn't care, he squeezes himself into the tiny dishes that came with his cage. So, my advice is to get a shower perch and either take him into the shower with you or let him shower on his own (we're green, we tend to each take a bird in to the shower a few times a week rather than letting them shower on their own).

Also, give him some time. When he's ready to take a bath, he'll probably let you know. He's only been home with you a few days.

 

[aufde]

Ok, I'll leave him be for now, but I want to at least put a dish in his cage for when he wants to. So would you put the dish at the bottom or hang one?

 

[friedsoup]

small doggy water dish seems to work like one for a toy poodle

 

[AFP520]

This past weekend I brought my Lucy into the shower with me for the first time (we've only had her for about a week) We tried the sink first, but she didn't really want anything to do with it.

I waited until I was completely done with my soap and shampoo before bringing her in, as the soaps could irritate her skin. I let her stay on my right index finger, and I aimed the showerhead down. I just kept putting my left hand into the stream and let the water droplets fall onto her back and face. She absolutely LOVED it. Let my girlfriend do the same the next day and she had no problems. Just take it slow when getting into the shower and I think your bird will learn to trust you.

All clean! And a perfect place for her to dry herself off while I did the same!

 

[Bobioden]

I fill a bowl of water in the sink and then use the sprayer turned on low and Maxx loves it. He also uses his water bowl, especially right after filling it with nice cold water.

 

[Joeyx]

if the birdies wanna bathe, they'd do it no matter what. everyday when i'm cleaning and
refilling cloud's WATER BOTTLE, he runs across my arm from my shoulder and starts
dipping his head in before i seal it lool!