As a child, the phenomenon of birds and rain often sparked my curiosity. Lying in bed during storms, I’d wonder about their ability to stay warm when wet. While I assumed they’d find shelter, the swaying branches in the wind posed a challenge to this theory. My childhood wonderings about avian waterproofing have since been answered by scientific understanding, though the journey to this knowledge was not without its detours.
The Traditional Theory of Bird Waterproofing
Early lessons in wildlife rescue and veterinary science taught a prevailing theory: most bird species are waterproof due to oils or powders found in their feathers. This waterproofing was attributed to a gland on the bird’s back, just above the tail, known as the Uropygial Preen Gland. This gland secretes oil, which the bird then spreads through its feathers during preening. In some species, a powder formed from the keratin sheathes of developing feathers also contributed. This oil or powder coating was believed to repel water, causing it to bead up and roll off the feathers. A compromised preen gland, or blockages like those caused by oil spills, would prevent a bird from maintaining its waterproofing and thus its body temperature.
Challenging the Old Theories
However, personal observations and persistent questions led me to doubt the sufficiency of this traditional explanation. I noticed that birds, even with undamaged preen glands, could lose their waterproofing. Furthermore, feathers coated in the bird’s own oil and powder still seemed to get wet. This prompted me to question my lecturer, a first-year vet science instructor, about why my own pet birds would get wet in the shower despite seemingly perfect preen glands. His response was dismissive, suggesting that wet birds must be sick and should be taken to a veterinarian.
Fortunately, modern scientific understanding has advanced beyond the older studies. We now understand that the oil secreted by the preen gland primarily functions to condition a bird’s feathers, much like feather powder does. These substances are crucial for maintaining feather flexibility, which in turn allows the bird to precisely position its feathers.
The Role of Feather Structure and Angle
The actual waterproofing of certain feathers comes from their inherent structure, specifically the tightness and flexibility of their barbs. However, the critical factor determining whether a bird gets wet or repels water is the angle at which it holds its feathers. This ability to control feather angle is not only used for communication but also for regulating water absorption.
For parrot owners, understanding this is vital. Assuming a bird is healthy and its feathers are in good condition, it is the bird itself that decides whether or not to get wet during a bath. While I’ve previously advised owners to look for signs like fluffing up and wing flapping as indicators of a bird enjoying a bath, this is only partially correct. These behaviors indicate a bird’s desire to engage with the water, but not necessarily its enjoyment of the experience.
Interpreting Your Bird’s Bathing Behavior
There have been instances where my own birds kept their feathers tightly positioned under a direct shower, choosing to play in the water rather than move away. They would emerge dry, and I interpreted their willingness to engage in such play as a sign of enjoyment.
The Dangers of Interfering with Drying
The importance of this knowledge for parrot owners lies in our typical reactions when our birds get wet. Many owners, fearing their bird will get cold, might reach for a towel or a hairdryer. This is concerning because rubbing a bird with a towel can damage its feathers, matting them and breaking barbs, which compromises their ability to regulate water. Even more alarmingly, most hairdryers contain Teflon components, and the dangers of Teflon poisoning are widely known among parrot owners.
If your bird is wet, it is by its own choice. As owners, we must recognize this. Birds are fully capable of drying themselves, and a little shivering during this process is normal and even beneficial. This slight shaking helps dislodge water from their feathers. As long as the bird isn’t placed in a drafty, cold environment, it will be fine. Providing a warm space and allowing the bird to preen itself dry is the best approach.
The Importance of Occasional Wetting
Our birds actually need to get wet periodically. The drying process is an integral part of maintaining healthy feathers and skin. Interfering with this natural process, perhaps through misguided attempts to “help” them dry, might even discourage them from enjoying baths due to fear of our intervention.
Optimal Feather Health Starts with Diet
The most effective way to support your bird’s feather health and its ability to manage getting wet is by ensuring a proper diet. A healthy diet promotes the development of strong, well-conditioned feathers, allowing your bird to control its own bathing experience. For guidance on feeding a healthy diet, consider exploring resources like the Birdtricks Natural Feeding Course.
Mel Vincent works as an animal rehabilitator out of Australia.
