Dust baths?

[Deleted]

Obviously I want my birds to be clean and healthy. Every time I leave water in their little bath house, they never seem to use it aside from thinking it's another place to drink, or when there's no water in it, or this past Thanksgiving when I tied some millet in there. Well, I remember reading and seeing nature videos of small birds and mammals taking dust baths, so I started wondering and had to ask here, is this a viable and healthy alternative for budgie bathing? Considering they're originally from Australia, I'd imagine they'd be more inclined to shake around in a dust bath than a water one.

I'd guess maybe not many budgie owners have tried this, given what I'd assume would be even more of a mess. If dust baths are ok or even healthy and encouraged for them, what would be suitable to use? I'm considering a fine-grained sand often used for leopard gecko terrariums, something not very abrasive and I could easily pick up at a PetSmart or Petco.

[Hezz]

Hang a piece of wet foliage, something like eucalyptus leaves are great, in the cage and allow the birds to do their own thing. They usually would use the morning dew on leaves to rub themselves all over. Keep the foliage wet and dripping - spraying with water does the trick. Dust baths are not recommended. Give them the opportunity to bath frequently but don’t stress if they don’t do so. Some budgies do, some don’t.

[Deleted]

Nov 28, 2021 1:00:38 GMT Hezz said:

Hang a piece of wet foliage, something like eucalyptus leaves are great, in the cage and allow the birds to do their own thing. They usually would use the morning dew on leaves to rub themselves all over. Keep the foliage wet and dripping - spraying with water does the trick. Dust baths are not recommended. Give them the opportunity to bath frequently but don’t stress if they don’t do so. Some budgies do, some don’t.

Ok. Where would I be able to get eucalyptus leaves, just at a grocery store? I've never gone looking for them, but I don't remember ever passing by any anywhere I've gone.

[Hezz]

Anything that is bird-safe foliage, seeding grasses etc can be used. Wet down and peg to the roof of the cage. Don’t get hung up on the idea that they have to bathe.

[Deleted]

Nov 29, 2021 1:14:06 GMT Hezz said:

Anything that is bird-safe foliage, seeding grasses etc can be used. Wet down and peg to the roof of the cage. Don’t get hung up on the idea that they have to bathe.

Fine, fine. I guess I just get reminded of my brother who doesn't bathe as often as he probably should 😅

[k9gardner]

Nov 28, 2021 1:00:38 GMT Hezz said:

Dust baths are not recommended.

I wonder if we can dig into this a little deeper. The statement that dust baths are not recommended does not really address the original poster's question, as I think she is right. I believe that Budgies in the wild do use dust baths; I've been trying to find pictures to prove it but I had read it somewhere a good while ago. It seems a natural way to combat things like mites, which I know I am dealing with right now. I would like to know if there are any references that indicate why dust baths might be inadvisable specifically for budgies, if they are seemingly good for other species, at least in the wild. Thanks.