BATHING
A bird should be trained to bathe in a regular bathing dish at least three times a week. Any small, shallow dish may be used for a bathing dish. If the cage bottom is not removable, the dish should be small enough to pass through the cage door. The outside baths that hang over the cage door opening are practical and easy to use. Fill the dish or bath with about one half inch of cool water.
Many owners have found that birds can be tempted into their bathing dish by floating a small bit of green food or a few seeds on the surface. The bird picks these out of the water, finds it is rather pleasant, and is soon enjoying his bath. If this is not successful, try placing a small mirror in the bottom of the bathing dish. Sometimes the bird is attracted into the water when it sees its own image.
In very warm summer weather, the bird will enjoy a bath each day but in winter allow a bath only two or three mornings a week. Never force your bird to bathe. If he persists in bathing from his drinking cup, remove or empty the cup while the bathing dish is in the cage.
The bird’s feet should be examined to see that they are clean and healthy. The feet of birds inclined to shirk their bath often become caked. If this condition is found, the feet should be soaked in warm water, and the accumulations gently removed. It is then well to rub a little sweet oil into the bird’s feet.