Bathing

[RTRobinson]

Hello, we are the proud new family of an 8 month old Sennie named Searoon (Lovely). DNA'd as female.

She hates to take a bath. I have tried misting, a pie plate with just warm water and with tempting treats, but no luck. I have also tried gently holding her and pouring water directly over her in the laundry room sink. She remains calm, but looks for any way to escape to higher drier ground, like my shoulder. She only uses her water dish to drink and soak food.

Our breeder insists that she enjoyed misting when he had her with her pals. We have only had her for 2-1/2 weeks, so is it possible she will come around?

Off topic, do female birds have a "monthly" cycle like human females and the mood swings that sometime accompany them?

[clawnz]

My pick is she needs time to settle in and become relaxed enough to take a misting.

As for your other question, it should be seasonal, like spring.

[Cage Cleaner]

Agreed with clawnz about the settling in. Took mine at least a month to settle in, and then another month for her personality to start showing through.

Also, I've read that both male and female birds get hormonal after puberty. I'm not sure if the females have it worse or not. I've always thought the main reason one would select a male vs female parrot wasn't due to behavior, but more due to egg binding.

And, for the record, male humans have hormonal cycles as well. And mood swings, too.

[Naurthon]

And, for the record, male humans have hormonal cycles as well. And mood swings, too.

I don't know what you're talking about. Now, where did I put that chocolate?

[liz]

They get really needy in the spring.

Buy a shower perch and take her with you. I put mine where the shower only touches half the perch so they can go in and out. Sing in the shower. It may take a while but she will still be getting moisture even if she doen't go under the water.

[RTRobinson]

Thank you for everyone's input.

Searoon has been with us for 3 weeks today and we are noticing positive changes everyday.

Tried the sink bath again today. She did not panic this time, and almost appeared to enjoy it. She just didn't stay long before jumping out and shaking/flapping off the excess water.

I was thinking about taking her in the shower, but I shower at night. I don't have feathers to dry, so I don't go to bed wet, but Searoon on the other hand...
Maybe I will take an earlier shower on Sunday and try it then.

Egg binding?!?! I have done a lot of research on which breed of bird best suited our home. It makes sense now that I think of it, but the egg binding in females never came up in all my reading and talking to breeders. All the more reason for regular check ups at the vet.

[Shelby]

Taking care to control the environment helps to minimize breeding urges and behaviors. Remove all snugglies and nest-like toys in the cage. Do not feed a diet that is too calcium- and protein-rich, and keep a good balance. I've also heard that making sure they only get about 10 hours of daylight helps, too. (This can be done by covering the cage or moving it to a dark and quiet room.) If she never wants to lay eggs, egg binding will never occur.

[chadsnyder]

Got to say that Liz's posts are usually right on. My Parrotlet would only bathe if I showered too for the longest time. He wanted to be high and able to move around. Let's face it, a cold shiny slippery sink is understandably intimidating. Don't stop trying different options occasionally cause you may be pleasantly surprised how simple it can be to find something that works for both of you.