Can you wash them?

[JenniferK]

I have two americaunas that I've noticed looking a little grungy/matted in their fluffy cheek feathers and a little bit on top of their heads. I think it might be related to eating watermelon but couldn't swear to it. Can I and do I need to wash them? If so, how?

 

[justusnak]

well..I guess you can...if they let you! LOL I dont see a need tho, unless its sticky and debris is sticking to it, causeing discomfort.

 

[devora]

I watched a video showing a woman washing a chicken that she loved to pamper. She washed it in a basin, much as you might wash a baby. I've also read that folks wash their birds for shows.

Good Luck. Sounds about as fun as trying to wash a cat!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

Yes you can give them a bath, but you don't need to. People who show birds do it all the time. Put some soapy water in a basin about neck deep to the bird. Put the bird in up to its neck and work the soapy water in. Put the bird into another basin with clear water and rinse the soap off. You can then dry it with a towel wiping in the directions the feathers grow. It will take a day or two for it to completely dry out. I'd keep it penned up for a while so it doesn't go out and take a dust bath while it's still wet...

 

[Napalongtail]

To add to that post...I wrap my birds in a towel in the house for about 15 minutes. Then starting at the back of the bird I fold a few inches of the towel up and blow dry until about 80% or the feathers start to fluff. I continue this process until the whole bird is unwrapped and usually sitting in a ball loving their spa day. I then place them in a cage or carrier with fresh shavings. Put in a nice sunny spot and watch them dust and preen.

Be sure to monitor them so they don't get too hot. Also they need to be totally dry by bed time.

 

[JenniferK]

Thanks for the tips. I'm thinking that my girls are not as docile as some of yours, and since two won't even tolerate being held I can't see them sitting still for a blow-dry! If they get really gross I may try some kind of minimal wash-down early in the day so they can dry...

 

[greginshasta]

We fed ours yogurt today. Oy... Little piggies. Then it was mud bath time.. They are so grossly filthy!

So if you leave them alone, does this grunge eventually work itself off? Or do they eventually come to resemble Charles Schultz's Pigpen?