Humans are not the only ones who benefit from massage. Some animals can benefit from its many virtues. Birds are a good example. In fact, some species like the Blue Jay, Chaffinch, Blue Blackbird, and Sparrow regularly treat themselves to a massage by... ants!

An ant bath! A bit weird, wouldn't you say? However, it is very simple for our feathered friends. They simply capture an ant or spread their wings widely near an ant nest and coat themselves with the liquid secreted by the insects flesh. It seems that the liquid is very beneficial for the birds' feathers and skin, as it contains essential oils.

In addition to its therapeutic properties, the ant balm holds other benefits. It contains formic acid, a powerful insect repellent that helps the birds rid themselves of parasites hidden in their feathers.

Ant balm evidently holds many benefits for birds, but can also be accommodated with a beer bath, vinegar bath or even an orange juice bath. There are even rumors that they sing to its glory!

Source : La Presse