Whenever there is a discussion on the proper diet for parrots we can't forget the importance water plays in a parrot's diet and the dangers that surround it.
So many parrot owners take for granted the water they give their birds.
It seems so simple and it really is if you take a little care and avoid the problems that can arise from the water you give your bird.
I don't know about you but I don't drink unfiltered tap water.
You may not either depending on where you live or your local water source.
Straight tap water can be harmful for your parrot as well.
The usual culprit is chlorine.
Give your bird filtered or bottled water only.
Clean your bird's water dish and refresh the water at least twice a day.
In the morning and again in the afternoon are usually good times.
If your bird is like mine they tend to throw things and there is always the chance the water will become contaminated with droppings.
Dirty water breeds bacteria that can be very harmful to your bird if it is ingested.
Keep the water dishes clean enough for you to drink out of them yourself.
That means a daily disinfecting.
Don't use a bleach solution - not even a 10% solution.
Instead use Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE) available from any good health store.
GSE has a number of good uses but this is a great use.
It's been said that GSE will disinfect better than surgical soap.
Anyway, it does work well.
Some owners like to give their birds water from a bottle or tube.
I'm personally not a big fan of this.
It's up to you.
Advocates of the water bottles say they prefer them because bacteria in an open bowl doubles every 2 - 3 hours, where as bottled water is not exposed to the open air.
I prefer changing the water frequently.
It's my belief that people who use the water bottle do so because they don't have the time to keep changing the water.
You'll have to make the decision, but the cleanest and freshest water possible for your parrot should be the goal.