Pooping in the water bowl.

[Samm]

My cockatiels insist on using their water bowl as a toilet. I just now cleaned all the bowls and gave them fresh water (9PM) and by tomorrow afternoon it's "poop soup". I've tried water bottles (won't go near 'em) those little drinking bottles with the plastic base where the water comes out (they destroyed them in a few days, chewed the edges so the water runs all over)
I don't know what else to try, I don't want them drinking poopy water but its crazy to have to give them clean 3 or 4 times a day. I was thinking maybe get a few of those ceramic ashtrays that look like a commode....maybe they'd use that and leave the drinking water clean!

LOL, seriously....any input would be appreciated.

[Dayna]

I had to switch the "poopers" over to water bottles. Sigh. They just did not get *it*.

[summerfan]

Try the kind they have at walmart. LIke a test tube that you turn upside down, with a very VERY slim feeder part. I use this on my tiel and he can't poo in there. I also keep it away from an area he would naturally have his butt over. :)

[homebird]

I too switched to the water bottle - with a small cup at the end - for the Tiels - no problem - made the transition the same day. It gives them more room in the cage too.
When they're out I put the old water bowl on the outside of the cage.

Also i have rearranged the cage so food/drink is on one side & resting & play are elsewhere.

[Monica]

Hooded dishes may very well be the answer.... My tiel family does the same thing, too! Very annoying! I'm thinking of one of those ceramic dishes, rounded on top... try and discourage them from sitting ON TOP of them.... less grip... no guarantees....

[Samm]

Originally Posted by homebird

I too switched to the water bottle - with a small cup at the end - for the Tiels - no problem - made the transition the same day. It gives them more room in the cage too.
When they're out I put the old water bowl on the outside of the cage.

Also i have rearranged the cage so food/drink is on one side & resting & play are elsewhere.

Thats what I tried! The same one you have I see in your picture, the little buggers chewed the end off!

[Cherry]

Hi I had a similar problem..Changed over to a plastic bottle that hangs from the bars, briliant, worked a treat..

[Samm]

Originally Posted by Monica

Hooded dishes may very well be the answer.... My tiel family does the same thing, too! Very annoying! I'm thinking of one of those ceramic dishes, rounded on top... try and discourage them from sitting ON TOP of them.... less grip... no guarantees....

That might be the answer, Monica. I saw those at Petsmart and thought maybe they would work. Kinda pricey, but if it keep the water clean, its probably worth the money. The only drawback is, they attach to the cage with these metal strips with a screw and wingnut. Pain in the bum to unscrew it take the thing out clean it, screw it back in.....I'm lazy! LOL

Dayna:
I tried the water bottle, fastened it to the side of the cage, the stinkers wouldn't go to that side of the cage.....all three of them stayed on the other side of the cage, but I left it there and had to put a water bowl in there, they had to drink, right? Next day sure enough....poop soup and the damn water bottle was full. Crazy birds these tiels.

[FeatherLover]

Samm, what about changing the cage around?

RJ was a water AND food pooper. Since moving into his new cage, he hasn't done it once.

[Monica]

LOL! Samm, I definitely know how you feel! I don't think I'd trust one of those tube drink systems either!

Here's one idea.... all you do is twist and lift to remove!
http://www.petsmart.com/global/produ...N=2047587&Ne=2
http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Prod...yID_15420.aspx


Or this style, although it could be a bit annoying... specially if it doesn't fit between cage bars properly...
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=722

This one as well... although would probably work for smaller birds like budgies and lovebirds....
http://www.arcatapet.com/item.cfm?cat=9555


I should probably invest in some as well! Just been too lazy to look around for some that I like (mainly looking for food dishes....) and can't easily order things off the net...