A Cockatoo’s colorful plumage is a visual delight. In the wild Cockatoos keep their feathers clean. Unclean feathers are a source of major irritation to Cockatoos. Eventually, they resort to feather plucking for relief. How can you keep your Cockatoo clean and fresh?
Although 80 percent of the cases of feather plucking are attributed to the Cockatoo's behavior. Sometimes, the reason for this indiscipline behavior can be unclean feathers.
Unclean feathers are a source of a major irritant to the bird. Eventually an irritant bird also resorts to feather plucking.
Now, having identified another cause, let's find a resolution.
Cockatoo's give out some powder from their skin. This powdery substance is called as dander.
Usually, a bath relieves the bird of dander. Therefore, regular bathing is a must. It not only cures feather plucking but also moisturizes the feathers and softens them.
Since, birds at home are exposed to artificial conditions, sometimes; the unclean feathers make a bath/shower a must.
Some Cockatoos are fond of showers. Once you spot this fondness in your bird, then its perch can be placed under the shower. The shower should be lightly turned on, so the water falls down gently. Water-temperature should be regulated. Having a shower bath can become a pleasant experience for the Cockatoo.
In those birds that prefer bathing to showers, a dish with some water can be placed in its cage (water should be an inch deep). Later, it can be removed, after the bird has bathed. The bird's bathing dish should be placed at the bottom of the cage.
Make sure that all parts of the Cockatoo's body are cleaned. But do not use soap or shampoo. You should give your bird a bath in the morning. So, it has the rest of the day to dry off. Keep the bird out of the cold. In fact, keep the cage in partial sunlight. This hastens drying. Let its feathers dry out completely.
But on days when it's cold or there is no sunlight, dry the bird as completely as possible, with a clean towel. Keep the bird in a warm room. As your bird is drying, it will preen
itself. Cockatoos can even be blow-dried, though some do not enjoy this. The noise frightens them. Chances are your Cockatoo might not mind the blow dryer. And, if you are using one, remember to set it at a medium temperature. No part of the bird's body should be exposed to the dryer for more than a second. Move the dryer constantly.
Do not get the dryer too close to the bird.
These tips will come in handy and ensure that the Cockatoo is kept healthy and clean feathers.
The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on “All About Cockatoos" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.
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