Bathing, how much is too much?

[Kirsten]

I know that all animals can have issues if they bathe too often because it doesn't give the natural oils from the skin a chance to come out. But how often CAN a bird bathe? Skittles enjoys a shower with me on Mon, Wed, and Friday. All the other days, I leave him alone. On those days though, Skittles will sometimes bathe in his water bowl anyway. I don't see any picking and the vet said he looked fine last week. I still want to make sure I'm not drying him out. Are there any signs I should look for or nuggets of birdy knowledge I should know?

[HungryBird]

I spray my guys frequently and they also have the option of bathing in their water bowls. I also give them red palm oil. My cockatiels bathe in their bowl every day and love being sprayed while my budgies hate both. They have been known to take voluntary baths but it has not happened often. My Meyer's hates being sprayed but enjoys bathing in his water bowl. I think what you are doing is fine. I would definitely be interested in hearing how often other people bath their birds (and what species) and whether or not their birds also take baths in big bowls of water.

[Kirsten]

I spray my guys frequently and they also have the option of bathing in their water bowls. I also give them red palm oil. My cockatiels bathe in their bowl every day and love being sprayed while my budgies hate both. They have been known to take voluntary baths but it has not happened often. My Meyer's hates being sprayed but enjoys bathing in his water bowl. I think what you are doing is fine. I would definitely be interested in hearing how often other people bath their birds (and what species) and whether or not their birds also take baths in big bowls of water.

Oh Skittles and I have nailed down quite the routine so he doesn't get soap on him. I have never had a pet that loved bathing so much. He has a tiny water bowl on his mobile perch. It's right behind the couch and when he starts doing the little dance he does when he bathes water goes EVERYWHERE. One time I filled his little bowl with OJ as a treat...yeah, not going to do that again. I think I'm still cleaning up random spots of orange juice I find from time to time.

[brfussne]

One time I filled his little bowl with OJ as a treat...yeah, not going to do that again. I think I'm still cleaning up random spots of orange juice I find from time to time.

Your bird is a riot!! haha