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How to Clean Bird Urine Off Feathers

Birds feathers contain oils that prevent water saturation. This trait prevents the bird from soaking up too much water weight, which would strain its ability to fly. Because of these oils, never use powerful cleaning chemicals or scrub too hard when removing urine from a bird's feathers. These methods will result in the loss of waterproofing and insulation for the bird. The safest method to wash a bird is to give it a diluted soap bath.

Things You'll Need

2 large bowls
Dish soap, regular, non-scented
Blow dryer
Measuring cup

Instructions

- 1
  Fill one bowl with 50 oz. of lukewarm water (around 100 degrees Fahrenheit) measured with the measuring cup. Touch the water; if it feels hot to the touch it is too hot for the bird; replace with 50 oz. of water that feels slightly warm to the touch. Do not add cold water to cool; the soap-to-water ratio needs to be precise.
- 2
  Measure 2 oz. of dish soap. Dump the soap into the filled bowl. Stir the bowl with your hand until a soapy mixture is achieved. Fill the second bowl with room temperature water for rinsing.
- 3
  Bring the bird with you to the soapy bowl. Hold onto the bird firmly with your dominant hand. Place the bird slowly into the washing bowl up until the water reaches its neck line. Use your other hand to gently swish water through the urine-soaked feathers of the bird. Rub the dirty area gently to break up any remaining stains.
- 4
  Remove the bird from the washing bowl and place it into the rinsing bowl up to its neck line. Swish the water across the bird to remove all the soap.
- 5
  Remove the bird from rinsing bowl and place the bird on a perch. Use the blow dryer set to its lowest setting to dry the bird off. Keep the dryer at a distance from the bird and to constantly move it to prevent burns or overheating.

Animals & Science