Bird Bath & Beyond - All About Bathing Your Birds, Tips & Tricks

How to Bathe Your Bird (Yes, Even in the Winter!)

Many bird owners slow down bathing during the colder months, but winter is exactly when birds need it most.

Indoor heat creates dry air, which leads to dry skin and brittle feathers. Regular bathing keeps feathers flexible, skin healthy, and birds comfortable year-round.

• Aim for 2–3 baths per week
• Don’t be afraid to bathe even more often during winter
• Indoor heat = dry air = dry skin & brittle feathers
• Don’t be afraid to get your bird properly wet – healthy feathers repel water naturally

Water & Safety Basics

• Let your bird air dry – no hair dryers, ever
• Drinking water should be bottled, RO, or filtered (Brita or equivalent)
• Try to prevent birds from drinking large amounts of untreated tap water
• Avoid distilled water – it lacks essential minerals

After-Bath Care

• Gently towel-drying is great
• Plus, it helps birds become comfortable with towel handling which builds trust and prepares them for:
  • Future vet visits
  • Bird grooming appointments
• Keep it calm, gentle, and with LOTS of positive reinforcement

Bird-Safe Bath Products

• Yes—bird safe shampoo does exist!
• When to use it:
  • Your bird has dirty or soiled feathers
    
  • Prior to a bird show
• How to use it safely:
  • Thoroughly wet the bird using clean, fresh water
  • Deposit a small amount of shampoo onto your hand, create a lather, and gently massage onto soiled feathers
    • OR create a soapy solution in a spray bottle and gently spray onto your bird
    • Massage gently if your bird will let you
  • Rinse all soap off using clean, fresh water

• Recommended products:
  • HARI Feather Mister Spray Bottle
  • Our Selection of Baths & Bathing Accessories for all Sizes of Birds

Bathing Methods

• Spray Bottle Bath
  • Use a fine mist
  • Spray upward and let the mist fall
  • Never spray directly at your bird
• Steam Showers
  • Warm shower steam is fantastic for feathers, skin, and respiratory health
  • Let your bird perch in the bathroom while you shower
  • Think of it as a mini “sauna day”
  • Great enrichment and feather shine
• Kitchen Sink Baths
  • Some birds love this
  • Ensure the sink is clean
  • No harmful cleaning chemical residue should remain
• Shallow Dish or Plate Bath
  • Budgies love a little splash pad
  • Add leafy greens to the water and watch them go WILD! (It's a budgie thing, trust us!)

Final Notes

• Bathing in drinking dishes is natural, but usually not enough on its own
• For birds who hate bathing:
  • Start slow.
  • Use gentle misting.
  • Try steam sessions.
  • Let them observe other birds bathing is possible.
  • Keep everything positive and pressure-free.
• Bathing should never feel like punishment.