The Parrotlet Bird, Part 4: Bathing

Birds prefer their feathers in order. It's simply a fact. They'll preen themselves silly, setting all their feathers in proper alignment, transferring oil from their oil grand onto their feathers. It is true that this ritual is what makes them water-resistant, so that in nature, come rainstorms or high water, they do not get drenched to the bone. However, in a household, and when you're cuddling your little parrotlet, it can get quite smelly.

Parrotlets are not like other birds when it comes to bathing. They are simply too small and too fragile to stick under a kitchen faucet or under a shower head. Their tiny bodies cannot withstand the high amounts of water pressure, and beyond that, they won't sit still for it. The best way to keep your parrotlet smelling fresh then, is to offer him a small bathtub in the form of a clear dish. Opaque, shiny, or brightly colored dishes tend to frighten them, so your best bet would be a shallow translucent plastic bowl. My parrotlet's bathtub is a clear plastic candy dish in the shape of a shell, and he love it dearly. It is not necessary to fill it with a great deal of water, 6 centimeters will do, after all, they are pocket-sized creatures. The water should not be cold nor hot, room temperature or slightly cooler is best.