bath 24/7

[Sean]

As some of you know, my bird is now moulting. i havent put in a bath yet as there is still a bit of frost. but ive heard of epople leaving baths 24/7 . would the bird ever take a bath late in the evening anyway? or will they always bath in the morning and dry out during the day?
thanks sean

[Game & Pursuit Falcon UK]

Just check it in the evening Sean. That way you know its dry.

[MattSpar]

I leave the bath in all the time, topping up and cleaning when necessary, and no, birds by no means always bathe only in the morning. In an aviary, at top weight, it doesn't seem to matter that they may choose to bathe late in the day. They'll bathe when they feel like it, it's as simple as that. I once watched a wild female spar bathing in a puddle. It was mid-winter, and just getting dark.

[Sean]

K but what if he takes a bath just after i leave? matt why does it not matter at top weight ?

[MickeyDredd]

matt why does it not matter at top weight ?

Weight loss overnight trying to keep warm/dry off will not be life-threatening.

[Sean]

im talking about frostbite m8

[MattSpar]

Weight loss overnight trying to keep warm/dry off will not be life-threatening.

Thanks. Just what I've have said. Frostbite? unless you live in arctic Canada, or somewhere similar, you needn't worry. I presume your aviary has a sheltered section Sean?

[Sean]

well yes, 2thirds of it is covered roof, but frost could still egt it can it not?

[Coedhirion]

I empty my baths around mid day until there is no chance of frost. Then re fill in the morning. Mine always prefers to bath late evening so feel it is better to be safe than sorry. I rinse and refil them every day any how even in summer.

[OutFlying]

well yes, 2thirds of it is covered roof, but frost could still egt it can it not?

If your perches are high enough and sheltered from the wind - there won't be a problem.

Jim.

[Accipitra]

in winter wild birds still bath in the late afternoon.
They will not be dry when it reaches roosting time

[BlackShaheen1]

in winter wild birds still bath in the late afternoon.
They will not be dry when it reaches roosting time
and 75% dont make it past thier 1st year

[MattSpar]

and 75% dont make it past thier 1st year

That's true of course, but it's not going to roost damp that sees them off per se, as the successful 25% will also bathe at any time of day. The 75% are simple natures "failures".

[Albie]

I leave my birds baths in all year and have noticed they never seem to use them with bad weather about.
Albie..

[BlackShaheen1]

That's true of course, but it's not going to roost damp that sees them off per se, as the successful 25% will also bathe at any time of day. The 75% are simple natures "failures".
but in captive bread birds .blain / wing tip odema could be avoided by removeing baths in the early afternoon.and that will eliminate the risk

[OutFlying]

Wouldn't a well designed aviary also prevent the same problems ? without the need to remove the bath. If freelofting it could rain then freeze - same as having a bath - if the design is right with high perches and protection from the wind, it isn't a problem.

Jim.

[Jackson]

if i had a bird i would
in the winter, have a bath there in the morning (perhaps till the afternoon if it was mild) That way i can be sure they wont be affected by frostbite or something!!!
in the summer, id have a bath in 24/7 possibly!! and clean them daily or evry other day at the very least!
but if there was ever a drop in temperature id take it out just to be safe!!

[BlackShaheen1]

i have seen exelent houseing .all singing all danceing .and something spooks the bird in the middle of the night and the bird thrashes about gets wet and bobs your uncle .but its down to the keeper at the end of the dey .i just try to to take away the posibility .better to be safe than sorry.for the sake of a coupple of mins work and fresh water in the morning .if they want to bowse then its fresh lovely jubly.

[OutFlying]

Do you dry them off each night if its rained in the afternoon ?

[Jackson]

Do you dry them off each night if its rained in the afternoon ?

my friend does - with the hairdryer lol! they love it!! lift their wings up and really lap it up too!! lol

[Pitbull]

my MHH takes a bath whenever it fancies. The other day I broke the ice in the top layer about 10 mm. by the time i had gone to get some warm water to put a little heat into the frozen water he had jumped in having a good bathe with ice knocking around his legs, bloddy ejit. so I just took out the ice and topped it up.

[BlackShaheen1]

Do you dry them off each night if its rained in the afternoon ?
do what ever you feel works

[OutFlying]

I take it you do ?

[BlackShaheen1]

ahhh didums

[OutFlying]

I take it you don't then :D

[BlackShaheen1]

I take it you don't then :D
i dont but are you trying to bait me for some reason.

[OutFlying]

just replying to "ahh didums" with the same level of humour - no baiting involved.

Jim.

[OutFlying]

I know of harrishawks that have had wing tip odema without a bath being present - it was the design of the aviary that allowed wind chill.

[MattSpar]

i have seen exelent houseing .all singing all danceing .and something spooks the bird in the middle of the night and the bird thrashes about gets wet and bobs your uncle .but its down to the keeper at the end of the dey .i just try to to take away the posibility .better to be safe than sorry.for the sake of a coupple of mins work and fresh water in the morning .if they want to bowse then its fresh lovely jubly.

Yes, I do understand what you mean. At the end of the day, whatever happens, at least you know you've done your best by the bird. An excellent philosophy.

[Palmer]

My bird can access a bath all year round, like the other day he had a bath on the warmest day. They know what there doing.

[Sean]

thanks for the replies guys