need help with bathtime

[primrose04]

Why is it that everytime I take in one of these strays they have never taken a bath before. PeeWee my new quaker had a fit. I see pictures of these birds just diving in dunking their heads and having fun. I have tried all the methods on all three of my birds (i also have 2 tiels) and they all act like I am killing them. Now I just have to corner them in their cages and spray them. then they sit there won't fluff or preen. just look pitiful and won't even come to me for about an hour.What can I possibly be doing wrong. I've tried the pie plate, the tub, the dripping focset but nothing is working HELP!!!!!!! :oops:

[Lynjupiter]

Have you tried letting them see you shower? When I get a new rescue, once I am confident enough to handle them properly I take them in the shower with me. I place them up high on a shower perch and let them watch me play in the water. Also when you place out a bowl of water splash your hands around in it, make like you are having the time of your life. They need to see you or other birds having fun with water so they understand it is not punishment or torture on your part.
Lynda

[The Outlaw]

Every single bird here, including the visiting boarders, are required to shower no less than twice a week in the winter, and every other day in the summer. I simply put up a tension rod, low, and sit them on it. Remember that birds prefer their showers on the gentle and cool side. No warm water here. In fact, you attract some reluctant bathers into a pie plate of cool water if you simply add a few ice cubes. I have never had any bird here that didn't shower and usually without a lot of drama. Some like it better than others, but all seem to at least tolerate a quick 5 minute, skin soaker.

For first time showerers, be sure to keep the rod low for they may decide to abandon ship.

THE OUTLAW

[TooLover]

My birds are very picky about their baths - sometimes they like it, other times they have a fit. I have found that misting the water high over their heads, reaching their backs first actually calms them down so I can get the rest of them. Before long they give up being mad and actually spread those beautiful wings for me, all the time I am saying how beautiful they are, which encourages them more. It doesn't always work, but I can honestly say it does about 90% of the time.
The smaller birds, like quakers, like to bathe in their water dishes - both my quaker and my sun conure do it - make sure that their water dishes are big enough for them to get wet in. I have tried putting other dishes in the cages but for some reason they like bathing in their water dishes, so I keep an eye out and once they are done change the water!
Another suggestion, as Nancy said, is to take them away from their cage, put them on a tension rod or a play stand, and mist them.
Let us know how you do and what worked!

[ZARI]

My eclectus HATES her bath! She has a shower, and sits on my hand looking picked on . . .

[smallonion]

Humphrey hates baths too. Normally I spray him once a week, which he REALLY objects to. I However, he *does* want to bathe, because he acts'funny' with his water dish sometimes, trying to bathe in it, but he's too big. I got a nice shallowish tray flilled with water and keep it on the table next to his play stand. Although he sometimes drinks it, he still hasn't gotten in a bathed yet! So, I understand! I watched a friend spray her parrot, and the bird (Clive) opened his wings, cooed, shook, and got silly and wet. He loved it. I wsih Humphrey would!

Michele andHumph

[Lora, Archer, & Kira]

My cockatiel LOVES to be misted with a spray bottle. My arm wears out too quickly for her... She raises her wings, and flares her tail... she tries to get every inch of herself wet!

Archer prefers to "shower" using his water bottle. I'm not sure how he gets so wet doing it, but he loves it!

Kira will sometimes use Archer's method, but prefers a small bowl of water. She also seems to prefer that said bowl is clear...