WATER

Water is vital to health and is essential for carrying and dissolving nutrients throughout the body. It regulates body temperature, and all organ functions depend on it. Without water, the immune system would not function. Water should be changed at least once a day, if not more. This is especially important if your birds make "soup"! All dishes need to be washed thoroughly every day. Extra clean bowls should be available. Vitamins should not be added to drinking water. They provide a growth media for bacteria and fungus.

TAP WATER: The majority of people use tap water. The important thing to remember is that you should always run the water at least two minutes to flush out any impurities that may have been sitting in the pipes before filling the water bowls.

BOTTLED OR SPRING WATER: This choice was made because the survey participants expressed concern over the quality of water available to them. I offer caution to the use of bottled water. Water from natural springs may contain contaminants. Some bottled water is also high in sodium and may lack fluoride. When a parrot's immune system is in question, bottled water may add to the problems that already exist.

TAP FILTERED OR PURIFIED WATER: There are many systems available that connect directly to your faucet. Pitchers with inserted filters are another option. This selection is probably the preferred alternative if you feel your tap water is undependable.

WELL WATER: A few participants enjoy the pleasures of well water and even mentioned that the quality of well water was the reason they built their homes where they did.

DISTILLED WATER: Distilled water is pure water. This type of water is generally used to clean medical instruments used on parrots. One participant uses it for her neonates (newborns). The distillation process involves vaporizing water into steam that leaves impurities behind. The steam then passes into a cooling chamber and, through condensation, becomes pure water. One disadvantage is that the constant use of distilled water may eventually remove beneficial minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, from the bird's body.