Social Misting Time

Echo and Rocky Unfold For Complete Saturation

Before the cages get cleaned, the foods get distributed, and the floors get swept and mopped, it's shower time!  While the flock of cockatiels is out on the hanging gyms in the morning sunshine, I fill the large misting bottle and begin what turns into a free for all.  (This procedure is a little messy but it's worth it.) 

It's funny how some of the guest tiels are more shy about getting wet at first.  They aren't forced to bathe, of course.  However, by watching the pros enjoy themselves, they soon mimic this behavior and become bathing aficionados.  Soon, the entire room is unfolding and fluffing to get their dusty and powdery feathers all the moisture that they can hold. 

Afterwards, there is a preening session that goes on for an hour.  Spending time in the tiel. room is very calming.  You are amongst some very happy campers in there!  They have the best of everything. They enjoy each other's company but are not cramped or forced to accept any attention that they don't want.  If someone's personal space is encroached upon, the perceived intruder is either given the signal to buzz off, or the less socially inclined bird moves easily to a different spot in the large room.  A flock society is very respectful.