Giving your pet bird water

Your bird's big on water, and getting enough of it is serious business for companion avians. Seed-eating birds in particular get very little water from their food, so you'll need to provide a ready supply. Read on to find out how to wet your pet's whistle – or his squawk, as the case may be!

The importance of water

Your feathered friend needs liquids to keep his tissues moist and transport nutrients throughout the body, as well as to remove wastes. The water in his body is evaporated through the skin and lungs, and is also expelled via his droppings. Should a bird go without water for a few days, he will quickly become dehydrated. This is a very serious condition and, if left untreated, can be fatal.

To ensure that your bird never goes thirsty, you'll need to provide fresh, pure water at all times. The amount a bird drinks varies from species from species, and from individual to individual. But no matter how much your pet imbibes, Experts recommend that you change his water at least once a day, preferably twice.

Finding the right water dish

You'll also need to consider what kind of water receptacle is best for your bird and where to put it. The most simple of water dishes is a sturdy ceramic crock. These are good because they are unbreakable, but may not be the best choice if your pet tends to drop pieces of food (or, in some naughty cases, toys) into his water. And finally, don't forget to carefully consider the placement of perches in the cage so your bird cannot soil his water.

Many companion avian caretakers are singing the praises of easily affordable plastic water bottles with sipper tubes that attach to the side of the cage. Not only are they great space savers, but they'll also solve the problem of contamination. If you go this route, we must stress again that you'll need to rinse and refill the water bottle every day. It's also crucial that you conduct a daily check to make sure that the tube is working properly. Saliva and food can easily clog the tube, denying your bird access to the water he needs. Sadly, it's not uncommon for a bird to be rushed to the emergency veterinarian and treated for dehydration, only to find that his water bottle was clogged or had otherwise malfunctioned.

Increasing in popularity among avian aficionados, bird waterers are perhaps the most reliable way to provide your pet with a continuous supply of clean, fresh water. The strong plastic receptacle comes equipped with a drinking valve that birds quickly learn to operate--and the best part is, this easy-to-install system never leaks or drips and, because it doesn't operate on a vacuum principal, can never become clogged.