Intestinal germs can trigger goiter infections and diarrhea in birds. The risk can be minimized with good bowl hygiene.
Bretten (dpa / tmn) - Feeding and drinking bowls are often used by birds as seating. To prevent them from becoming an outhouse, the bowls shouldn't be too big, advises the magazine "Budgerigar & Parrots" (issue 3/2020).
In addition, the bowls should not be placed directly below other seating options. That would have the same effect. If intestinal germs get into the goiter of a bird, severe vomiting can result.
When it comes to splashing around, the magazine has another piece of advice at its disposal: the budgie uses the classic bath house not only as a wellness stamp - but also to drink from it. Therefore, it should be checked several times a day or only be available for a limited time and then cleaned thoroughly in the dishwasher at high temperature.
Species such as goat or budgerigars like to look for food close to the ground. You are at high risk of coming into contact with feces. Bird lovers who use sand as a substrate should consider this and change it daily or heat it up. Picking up the piles is not enough.
Paper as a substrate is more practical and hygienic anyway. Newsprint, kitchen rolls or the cut from a paper tablecloth are suitable for this.