How do you get your parrots to use a water bottle?

[Michael]

I don't know the actual amount but it's not much. The bigger problem is when they play with the water, spill some, or drip. Also a slightly deformed bottle can drip a little. You can safely go two full days (unless bottle is broken, but you'd know), even 3. I've had a 3 day trip that inadvertently turned into 4 due to a delay. Both birds still had water in their bottles left but Truman had less than a quarter bottle. Furthermore he didn't seem to want it. When I poured him fresh water he drank eagerly.

Sometimes when the birds take a shower out of their bottle, that uses up about 1/3 of the water at a time.

Let the bird that doesn't know how to use the bottle watch the bird that does. They model off each other much quicker.

[cml]

Let the bird that doesn't know how to use the bottle watch the bird that does. They model off each other much quicker.

I hope so! Leroy seems a bit suspicious of the bottle though ...

[cml]

How big should the nozzle of the waterpipe be?

I got these simple bottles to try to convert them with, the bottles are intended for use with rabbits, guinea pigs etc, and the nozzle (in which the ball is) is about 8mm in diameter, the hole in which they drink about 6mm I think (roughly 1/4").

Here's Stitch, he got the hang of it real quick this time. We are hoping that Leroy sees what Stitch is doing, and learns from that, but to be safe we offered Leroy some water just now. Will continue trying tomorrow.


If the conversion goes well, I plan on upgrading to these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Lixit-Glass-Wat ... 171&sr=8-1

[Pricey_boy]

i got bandit to use one by letting him taste it so he knows theres water then took away his water bowls.

youll know there drinking it even if your not looking because you can hear little clicking sounds of that little metal part on the nozzle when the lick it

[cml]

Noone with experience on how wide the pipe needs to be?

I got, as Michael put it, major anxiety over this, even if its for the better to do a conversion!

[Michael]

Kili uses 7/16", Truman uses 5/8"

The smaller tube is great for Senegal sized parrots and probably too small for a medium bird. Though I gotta warn you, Truman has a huge beak so 5/8" works out great. For your birds that may be a bit big for them and may take some getting used to. In fact, it may even flow too fast and choke hazard. Not 100% sure. I can't picture Kili drinking out of Truman's. I'd suggest getting one of each and seeing what works best and then just order one more tip of the size you prefer. Or you may opt to keep the bigger bottle for bigger bird and smaller for the other.

[cml]

Thanks Michael,

I was able to find bottles with about 1/2" today, and bought two. They are huge though, about 32oz (1L) .

This thread has been a huge help to me, so I want to thank everyone who's helped so far. There's remarkably little information on how to get a parrot to drink from a bottle, which is wierd because it isnt just as easy as changing, at least it isnt always!

[cml]

Progress, Leroy actually drank from his bottle today. Its babysteps, but at least he now knows what it is .

[cml]

Mainly me posting in this thread now, but...SUCCESS !

Both birds are now drinking from their new bottels .

[janetafloat]