Last Updated on by Mitch Rezman
Chris T. relates,
My 2 birds are not repelling some of the water.
I’m not sure how to state this but the water would bead up and not get completely wet.
After bathing could fly.
Now they are completely wet and cannot fly.
I am wondering if they have a vitamin deficiency, or it can just be age?
Dear Chris
Parrots are not ducks. They surely can get wet from bathing and their feathers will get saturated. It all depends on how much time they spend in the water.
With a little splashing around, their feathers may repel some water, but yes, they can become wet enough that their feathers will absorb a lot of water. Enough to require you to blot them off with a towel and put them where they can be warm while they preen and dry off.
Why Are My Green Cheek Conures Unable to Fly When Wet?
Most birds have a uropygial gland near their tail feathers where they are able to access it and get a little preening oil from it.
They will use this oil and dispense it through their feather to condition them and yes, this oil is naturally water repellent.
Why Does Your Bird Preen & How Do You Pronounce Uropygial?
Some parrots do not have this gland, particularly amazons.
Not all birds have enough of this natural oil. Aging can also affect the gland so it does not produce as much as it used to.
We do offer a product that contains the needed preening oil and it is simply sprayed onto your bird’s feathers. They will then distribute it through their own feathers, cleaning and conditioning them.
Natra Bird Bath Spray for better feathers
I hope this helps.
Regards,
Catherine
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