The practice of avian hygiene involves the maintenance of cleanliness across various bird species. This encompasses removing dirt, debris, and potential parasites from their feathers and skin, contributing to their overall health and well-being. For example, providing birds with access to clean water sources for bathing is a common method of facilitating their natural cleaning behaviors.
Maintaining the hygiene of these animals is crucial for preventing the spread of diseases and ensuring proper feather function, which is essential for insulation, flight, and display. Historically, understanding avian cleanliness has been important in both wild bird conservation and the management of domestic poultry, impacting fields like ornithology and agriculture.