Bathing

[DunbarDinnes]

I have had my birds for two weeks, currently have 3 Male & 3 Female Zebras. My aviary is outdoor 9' x 6' x 6'. All birds feeding and drinking well with a very healthy diet..seed, broccoli, carrot, maize, oyster shell, cuttle etc.

No sign of any bird bathing? weather has been 18 - 24c recently and birds have water available in several locations Plus tried various shapes & sizes for bathing...Will they eventually take the plunge?

[isobea]

How deep is the water? And does the bird bath have a non-slip surface? If it is big enough, you could try putting a flat rock in it (a little over to one side).

[DunbarDinnes]

Water about 1/2" deep no more, tried a shop bought bird bath, shallow dish, deeper container but no interest, they drink from various receptacles but never take the plunge...not they appear unhappy about situation. Just read so much about how avidly zebbies are supposed to be re bathing. Also tried bathing dishes at various heights from aviary floor upwards.

[tex]

Try using a mist spray 2-3 times a day to get them used to being wet, i have two zebras and this was what i did. I attach a birdbath every day and they probably go in it 4-5 times weekly, if one goes in the other usually follows suit.

[wilkifam]

Strange, most of mine dive bomb the bath as soon as they get the chance.

[DunbarDinnes]

3 Weeks now and not one of six birds shows any interest in bathing! have tried different levels locations etc. They happily perch and drink bath water but show no signs of dipping themselves. They enjoy a mist spray so not totally adverse to water!

[lovezebs]

DunbarDinnes

I would think, that they grew up in a situation where baths were not supplied for them. Because of this, they simply have no idea that these "drinking " dishes are for bathing..

Mist them if the weather is hot, and if they enjoy that.

Personally, I would introduce a pair of Society finches,or a Canary to the mix. They would show your Zebras how it's done in no time.

[DunbarDinnes]

Thanks Elana might try that, does seem strange that they dont know what to do..happily they look healthy enough!

[lovezebs]

DunbarDinnes

Happy and healthy, that's what you want .

[DunbarDinnes]

Finally..after four/five weeks the birds decide to bath. I have five pairs now all living harmonisouly.