They don't seem to bathe?

[Kmurch567]

I have two Lady Gouldian males that I have had for almost two and a half weeks. They hatched in the fall. They don't seem interested in bathing! I have two baths/dishes in their cage, one that is an open bowl, and one than has three high sides and one open side so it is protected and more "private". I have never observed them bathing. They seem to groom themselves, and look great, but I don't seem them bathing. They do still have pin feathers on their heads, although one is losing them finally. Should I spray them? I have seen spray for birds at pet stores, but it is just water in a spray bottle essentially. I am new to this, so any info would be great!

Kirsten

[debbie276]

I wouldn't worry about it, just keep offering the baths and eventually they may jump in. Maybe they are still getting used to their new surroundings or maybe this is the first time they ever had a bath offered. I personally wouldn't spray them though I know some that do, it just doesn't seem that it's worth freaking them out just to get them wet.
good luck

[flrancho]

I've had birds for years that never seemed to take a bath. My female Shaft-tail for instance, I never saw bathe for years.

We eventually got a pair of Java Rice Finches and they multiplied. So I then had 4 Rice Finches. All the Rice Finches wanted to take a bath in the small bath dish at the same time, so I broke down and bought a bigger bath dish. The old bath dish was really just a ceramic cat food/water dish; the new bowl I bought was in the garden department at Wal-Mart and was a shallow clay dish.

Upon placing the clay dish in the flight, after the more pushy Javas had had their baths, the Shaft-tail went over and took a bath in the clay dish. The first time I'd ever seen her take a bath in the years I'd had her.

[Kmurch567]

Thanks for the replies! I figured since they appear healthy, it probably wasn't a big deal, more just part of their personality perhaps. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't neglecting them!

[CandoAviary]

If you are feeding your gouldians greens, like kale, then many time laying a leaf in the shallow water dish will get their attention.

[Kmurch567]

Funny you should ask, I was going to post a question about this tonight! I offer a finch seed mix at all times. Since they are finishing molting, I do egg food in the morning. I also offer a veggie or fruit mix in the afternoon. The veggie or fruit mix is just a mix of veggies and fruit I throw in the food processor. Today's mix included carrot, kale, tomato and strawberry. I also have a stalk of millet in the cage. I have never seen the birds eat anything other than their seed and occasionally the millet! What gives? I have tried singular fruits in case it is the mixes they don't like, and they don't seem to like that either. I also have just put in a stalk of Kale...not interested! Thoughts?

[CandoAviary]

Kirsten,
If the gouldians are not use to eating fresh foods it may take them a while to get brave and try them. Just keep offering small amounts... same with baths. Since you have had them only a short time they may just still be adjusting to their new home, diet and such. Gouldians can be fickled little birds, but for sure they are worth it!