Water bottle’s bad for birds beaks ?

[Tinabell]

Our local rescue says that Lixit and Bird Butler and any water bottle type metal tip is bad for birds and and they don’t allow it. Has anyone had long term bad issues with their birds from the metal drinking parts of the water bottles ?

 

[expressmailtome]

I have never heard that before. Did they explain their reasoning?

 

[Tinabell]

The local rescue just said it’s not allowed as it causes serious damage to the tongue and beak to press against the metal ball, or piece to allow the water to come out .
I can’t find anything on the internet or this forum to substantiate that. They are very adamant “ no water bottles”!
So, I’m asking to see if anyone else agrees with that?

 

[BeanieofJustice]

That's weird. The shop that I got Tibs from trains all of their birds on a water bottle. I didn't like it because you have to scrub the darn tube with f10 every day or so and the bird can't bathe in it. While I haven't heard about the damage, I wouldn't be surprised. I don't think it's worth the effort, frankly, and I like my bird being able to bath himself.

 

[Mizzely]

Never heard of that either. The only recommendations against it would be if they lodge food into it or not cleaning it regularly to avoid bacteria.

 

[Tinabell]

The rescue was totally against it because of beak and tongue damage .
I bought two bottles already and now I’m worried !

 

[Mizzely]

Furthermore, I'm not sure how a stainless steel water bottle tip would be any harder on the beak than climbing around on a cage. It requires far less force to activate the water than it does for them to carry their weight!

 

[Love My Zons]

I have never heard this. All of my Amazons have has water bottles for 10 plus years now.

Never an issue. Bottle cleaning is an absolute must. Dishwasher and soaked in ACV is my practice here.

Kazoo uses his alot. It's his main way to drink water. Everyone has a water bowl as well.

 

[Laurul Feather Cat]

Never a problem with my Birdy Butler bottles or any other bottles with an actuator tip. Dont like the balls in a tube rodents do best. The water bottles keep the water clean for drinking. The birds also get a bowl of water for bath or play. No problems for twenty plus years.

 

[iamwhoiam]

I never had issues with beaks/tongues and water bottles. You have to be very diligent with cleaning them. I always purchased Lixit made in USA and got the ones with glass bottles.
However I did have an issue with using bottles. The birds would remove them and I would find them on the floor. They also had water dishes so that was a good thing but I stopped using the bottles because bottles on the floor are not useful.

 

[aooratrix]

What about ss cages and toys, which people have used for years? Ridiculous.

 

[finchly]

@saroj12 ? Want to weigh in?

 

[Shezbug]

Can you ask them more about it and let them know none of us have heard of tongue or beak damage nor can anything be found online regarding this issue?
I would be really interested in their reasons and their proof of this claim.

 

[saroj12]

@saroj12 ? Want to weigh in?

After using water bottles for 10 years I say now thanks but no thanks! It’s been a bowl ever since. Can’t clean the nozzle

 

[Tinabell]

They said it’s their policy to not allow any type of metal tips on the bottles as they say it hurts their beaks . They said it makes them grow crooked too . I can’t really argue with them as it’s their policy , but I’m glad to hear the only issue is cleaning them properly . I bought to Bird Butlers and I was bummed I couldn’t use them. I was totally surprised too when they told me.

 

[Tinabell]

I have never heard this. All of my Amazons have has water bottles for 10 plus years now.

Never an issue. Bottle cleaning is an absolute must. Dishwasher and soaked in ACV is my practice here.

Kazoo uses his alot. It's his main way to drink water. Everyone has a water bowl as well.

What is ACV?

 

[iamwhoiam]

All of my red-bellied babies were raised with water bottles. Got those when they started drinking on their own. No issues with their beaks whatsoever.
ACV = Apple Cider Vinegar.
Preferred type is the one with the Mother such as Bragg.
Bragg Live Foods, Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar, Bragg Liquid Aminos,Systemic Enzymes, Bragg Live Organic Food Products, Patricia Bragg, Paul Bragg, Bragg Organic Olive Oil, Bragg Salad Dressings, Bragg Seasonings, Bragg Health Products

 

[Mizzely]

Ripley has a misaligned beak. Never had a water bottle as far as I'm aware. Improper hand feeding would be my guess

 

[JLcribber]

The biggest problem is with bacteria that hides in the tube and is very hard to clean. It needs to be cleaned meticulously every day "inside that pipe".

You've all felt the biofilm slime on a water bowl after only one day. Give it a week and you have a bacteria factory.

Any more than one or two bottles and you've got a pretty hefty cleaning chore "every day".

A water bowl is just easier and safer.

 

[JLcribber]

They said it’s their policy to not allow any type of metal tips on the bottles as they say it hurts their beaks . They said it makes them grow crooked too .

Not true. Scissor beak is caused by "improper" hand feeding techniques when the chick is very young and the muscles are stretched by the un skilled feeder.

 

[Princessbella]

Bella was raised with a water bottle and she has had access to a water bottle for 5 years with no problems. She also has a water dish too. I think for her, the water bottle is comfort because she uses the water dish more.