A bird should be trained to bathe in a regular bathing dish at least
three times a week. Any small, shallow dish may be used for a bathing
dish. If the cage bottom is not removable, the dish should be small
enough to pass through the cage door. The outside baths that hang over
the cage door opening are practical and easy to use. Fill the dish or
bath with about one half inch of cool water.
Many owners have found that birds can be tempted into their bathing dish
by floating a small bit of green food or a few seeds on the surface. The
bird picks these out of the water, finds it is rather pleasant, and is
soon enjoying his bath. If this is not successful, try placing a small
mirror in the bottom of the bathing dish. Sometimes the bird is
attracted into the water when it sees its own image.
In very warm summer weather, the bird will enjoy a bath each day but in
winter allow a bath only two or three mornings a week. Never force your
bird to bathe. If he persists in bathing from his drinking cup, remove
or empty the cup while the bathing dish is in the cage.
The bird's feet should be examined to see that they are clean and
healthy. The feet of birds inclined to shirk their bath often become
caked. If this condition is found, the feet should be soaked in warm
water, and the accumulations gently removed. It is then well to rub a
little sweet oil into the bird's feet.