Birdcages can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other harmful organisms, so keeping birdcages clean is necessary. Cleaning bird cages can be a messy and tedious task.
However, if you intend to keep your bird happy and healthy, consider cleaning the birdcage at least once a month. Also, there are weekly tasks that help you maintain birdcage sanity. In this blog post, I will share some tips that will make cleaning bird cages much easier.
Contents
How to Clean a Bird Cage in 4 Steps
To complete this cleaning task, you should have some cleaning supplies on your hands, including:
- Dish soap
- Vinegar or bleach solution
- Paper towels or cloth rags
- Scrubbing brush or sponge with Stiff bristles
- Hose attachment – If possible, prepare a hose attachment at least 10 feet long so you can reach all areas easily without bending over too much
- A face mask and a pair of gloves – If you want to take extra precautions while cleaning your birdcage, consider using a face mask and a pair of gloves. These protective pieces will prevent you
- from breathing in to touching any harmful fumes and dust particles
Step 1: Remove Birds from the Cage
Make sure to remove all your birds before cleaning so they do not get in each other’s way and cause injury to themselves or their cages. You should also keep your bird away from any chemicals while cleaning his home.
These substances might harm him if he ingests them when licking himself after being preened or during self-cleaning sessions (birds will pick up anything on their feathers).
Step 2: Remove all the Toys, Perches, and Trays Inside the Cages.
You should also take out all the toys and trays, which are dirty from the birds’ general activities, old food, and dust.
Step 3: Wipe Down the Birdcage with a Damp Cloth, then Rinse it with Water.
Use only non-toxic cleaners like vinegar water or baking soda for birdcage cleaning. Dip a clean cloth into the cleaning agent, then thoroughly clean the birdcage by wiping it down with the damp cloth.
Then, you can use the hose to rinse the empty case to remove all residues.
Step 4: Wipe Bird Droppings off of Perches and Bird Toys.
Clean any bird droppings or food that has fallen to the floor of your bird’s cage before it hardens with a wet, soapy paper towel or rag.
Use separate rags for each type of cleaner because vinegar water will dissolve soap residue, while baking soda may react negatively with some cleaners if mixed during use.
To Clean Bars
Mix ½ cup white distilled vinegar into two gallons of warm water; wipe down with a clean, soft cloth.
Spray birdcage cleaner on bird droppings and leave for fifteen minutes before wiping off; do not use this method if you have plastic bird cages as it may damage the surface.
To Clean Perches
Soak perches in a sink filled with hot water and dish detergent; scrub gently with a toothbrush; rinse well and allow to dry completely before replacing in a birdcage.
Dip in solution:
- Mix ¼ cup baking soda into two cups of warm water
- Scrub perch gently with a toothbrush
- Rinse well and allow to dry completely before replacing in the birdcage
Step 5: Clean the Trays.
Trays for holding water and food for your birds require thorough cleaning, too.
Just throw all old food in the trash can and use a clean, damp cloth to wipe off those trays. Then, use clean water to rinse alll of them.
Step 6: Place Everything back in their Places.
Once you have cleaned your bird’s home to your satisfaction, it is time to put everything back in its place. Dry the birdcage, trays, and accessories thoroughly before returning your birds to their home.
Then, put back toys or accessories removed for cleaning before allowing your bird back into his newly spick-and-span abode.
Tips and Tricks to Keep the Birdcage Always Clean
- Bird droppings can be harmful to both you and your bird, so it’s important to clean the birdcage regularly
- Use a bird-safe detergent or soap to clean the birdcage. Never use bleach or ammonia, as these chemicals can be toxic to birds
- Bird cages should be cleaned at least once a month, but if it’s very dirty or has recently had a sick bird in it, depending on how many birds are kept in the birdcage, clean more often
- A good way to prevent messes is by using newspaper sheets as bedding for your bird’s nesting area
- Bath your bird regularly to maintain sanitary conditions and keep it healthy. Make sure to warm water and monitor while the bird is enjoying its bath. Also, dry the bird before putting it back
- into the cage to avoid getting cold because of the water
The guide above is for whole cleaning every two weeks or once every month, depending on your birds’ habits. However, we can do lots of things to keep the birdcage clean every day:
- Wash all bird dishes with a dishwasher and rinse with hot water after your birds finish eating their last meals of the day. You can also do this in the morning before giving them breakfast
- Check the cage perches and toys to see any droppings. Then wipe them off with a clean cloth or bring the items out and shake the dirt off
- If you place a liner inside the birdcage, change it every day
How to Keep the Area Around Bird Cage Clean
When bird cages are kept in the house, there is always a risk of messes. The birdcage could get dirty and need to be cleaned, or bird droppings may fall around it. Also, birdcages can attract bugs like cockroaches which means you’ll have trouble keeping an area clean where the birdcage sits.
Here are some steps you can take to help keep the birdcage area clean.
- Keep the birdcage away from corners or furniture which might attract bugs like cockroaches. You want a space open around the birdcage to be easily accessible for cleaning and not an obstacle course of chairs, tables, etc.
- Place something absorbent under the birdcage to catch any droppings before they hit your flooring. Some people use old towels while others prefer newspapers since newsprint ink may repel insects such as roaches and silverfish (birds love to eat).
- If possible, place a fan near the birdcage to create air movement and discourage the build-up of insect activity (like cockroach eggs) around the birdcage.
- If your birdcage is hanging in the window, be sure to keep your curtains or blinds closed when it’s not in use. This will help prevent insects like cockroaches from moving into the birdcage area and onto your bird.
- Sweep around the birdcage regularly so that any droppings are disposed of before they have time to attract bugs such as roaches.
Conclusion
Cleaning your bird’s cage does not have to be a daunting process. Follow these steps, and you will find that it is easy and enjoyable to give your pets the care they deserve.
Cleaning regularly also ensures that they are safe from many diseases, such as Salmonella, which can cause serious health issues for both humans and animals alike. If you follow this simple guide, we hope that you too will enjoy cleaning up after your feathered friend with ease!