Quite recently a change in attitude has developed and we are beginning to examine the fundamental needs of these creatures with which we share our lives. We are now concerned with proper diets, cage dimensions, toys, and products that exhibit safety and concern for the well-being of our birds. Routine bathing is essential for the parrot. Rainfall in these amounts indicate that daily showers are common and parrots are bathing daily. Generally, we have not been providing them with what they were engineered to receive in terms of water amounts and schedules of bathing.
All birds bathe, from the smallest finches to the largest macaws.
If water is presented to them they will take advantage of the situation. Since developing Showerbird, I have been studying, researching, and questioning the bathing behaviors of birds both in the natural and the captive environment. As a young girl I was intrigued by the small wild birds that would dust-bathe in soft, loose dirt when there was an absence of rain. I later learned that it was a method of bathing for them. By rolling in the soft dirt they would absorb excess oils and loosen debris from their feathers.