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The Importance of Water Quality
by David Henzler, DVM
With the increasing concerns over water contamination by agricultural run-off, organic material, fertilizer, and other potential contaminants, attention to water quality is an absolute necessity in providing the best care for your birds.
Water is the single most important nutrient you can offer your bird; unfortunately, its qualities are often taken for granted. It is a major component of a bird's blood, and is necessary for metabolic function, elctrolyte concentrations, and regulation of body temperature as well as other bodily functions.
 | Consumption
A number of different factors affect a bird's water intake, including age, sex, and types and amounts of food consumed. the most significant factor, however, is environmental temperature. An increase in environmental temperature from 70 degrees F to 90 degrees F can increase water consumption by 100%. Certain diseases such as diabetes, kidney disease, and infections of intestines can also increase water consumption. Some of these ilnesses cause an increase in the proportion of water in the feces. Increased minerals such as sodium, chloride, magnesium, and excessive vitamins can also cause increased water consumption, as can high fiber diets. Frequently bird owners will notice an increase in water consumption during a conversion from seeds to pellets. This is caused by higher levels of sodium chloride (optimum levels) in pelleted diets. Seeds have a high fat content, which results in greater "internal" water production via metabolism, which results in lower external water consumption.
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| Water Quality/Chlorinated Water
Water should be odorless, colorless, and tasteless. It should be available to birds at all times. Keep water clean and change frequently, several times daily if possible. Well or spring water should comply with the standards set by your public water provider. Water sources should be checked regularly, particularly when digestive or intestinal problems are present. Bacteria present in the water may be indicative of feces contamination. Chlorinating the water can eliminate bacteria. Most water sources in cities and larger towns are chlorinated from approved municipal facilities.
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| Disinfection of Food and Water Bowls
It is imperative that all organic materials be cleaned from the surface of the bird's dishes for any disinfectant to work. Organic material includes vitamin residue, food and bird droppings. Dilute one ounce of bleach in one quart of water; let the bowl soak in the solution for 20 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. For the single bird or pair of birds, disinfect the bowls two or three times a week. If multiple birds share a common bowl it may be necessary to disinfect more frequently.
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