he H-A-T-E-S the dander control spray bottles u can buy. not too fond of showers either actually, but he gets them. what is too often for a shower? can cockatoos get them everyday or will it effect their skin and/or feathers? any other tips?
2007-01-29 15:35:22 · 6 answers · asked by clubbrat 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
we don't have allergies. just want to keep thngs cleaner.
2007-01-29 15:52:20 · update #1
parrots of any species love to get wet everyday,it is just in them. The only way to control the dust is frequent sprayings with warm water. You will find there will be more "dust"when they molt,this is very common.
Try taking him in the shower walking on the tub floor. Or maybe attaching a bar for him to sit on. Some parrots don't like direct contat with the water,they might prefer the off spray(mist)
If he doesn't like that you could try a damp wash cloth and give him a rub down,or if he hates the cloth resort to your bare hands and warm water.
Don't use any type of soaps or shampoos-not good.
2007-01-29 15:45:47 · answer #1 · answered by gotchagood 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi there. As long as the bird is protected from drafts, a daily bath would be OK. Bathing does help with feather and skin health. As flock leader, show him how fun a bath is and act really enthusiastic. He may start to like them. Are you allergic to your bird? There are many antihistamines and allergy medications out there that can help you. Many that require a prescription. Benadryl is over the counter, but it causes sedation in many. Perhaps an air cleaner like the Ionic Breeze can give you relief.EBay sells them new for 1/3 the price of regular retail. Another idea would be to wear a surgical mask. Have a great week.
2007-01-29 15:44:50 · answer #2 · answered by firestarter 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like trying to find a cat that doesn't shed (the 'bald' Sphinx breed aside of course). Your cockatoo produces dander. That's what keeps his feathers so white and soft to the touch. (One of the reasons why we love em). A regular shower will help to a certain extent but there is honestly no real way to 'control' it apart from regular cleaning and sweeping. EVERYONE would have told you cockatoos produce dander. It's something all too owners know and have to accept if they wish to keep them as pets.. You just gotta love em.
2007-01-29 17:26:48 · answer #3 · answered by aken 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A hepa filter will help keep the dander down. I also use a Dyson vacuum made for people with pets. It keeps from recirculating the dander every time I vacuum.
As another person said, daily baths are fine. I keep a "bowl" in the cage for my birds to bathe and let them shower when they like.
Don't blow dry or towl your bird, let him dry on his own. I also would not use any spray other than just plain water. It can affect their feathers and skin.
2007-01-29 15:58:37 · answer #4 · answered by Christie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The best thing is give him a bath. Cockatoos naturaly give off dander and need daily baths. If he doesn't like showers, try one with him; monkey see, monkey do, in this case bird. Don't force him to take a shower. If he still won't shower, then give him a dish that is fill with water, not too deep or too shallow. They'll normaly bathe on their own.
2007-01-29 15:55:57 · answer #5 · answered by TodDucky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing I can say is, if your allergic either use an air purifier or give the cockatoo away.
2007-01-29 15:44:14 · answer #6 · answered by Amara 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋