Why should I clean my bird’s cage?
Birds housed in cages eat and defecate in their cages, so it is essential to keep that space as clean as possible. Dirt, dust, fecal matter, bits of food, and feather dander constantly accumulate on the cage floor, on perches, in food and water bowls, on toys — everything in the cage environment.
What should I line my bird’s cage with?
Line the bottom of your bird’s cage with disposable paper such as newspaper or paper towels that can be thrown away every day. Newsprint no longer contains lead, so is non-toxic to birds, even if they chew on it. White birds may get grey newsprint on their feathers if they play in the newspaper, but it is easily washed off.
Do not use the sandpaper cage liners sold in pet stores, as birds may pick off the sand and ingest it, possibly causing gastrointestinal tract obstructions or irritation. Wood chips and shavings, clay, cat litter, shredded or recycled paper, and corncob bedding are likewise not recommended for many reasons:
- These bedding options are not digestible and can cause impaction or obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract if your bird ingests them.
- Dust from this bedding can irritate the respiratory system, especially dust from aromatic pines and cedars.
- These bedding options are expensive, so many owners neglect to change the cage daily, which causes stool and food waste to accumulate on the bottom of the cage. Fungus commonly grows on old fecal material and wet bedding, which can lead to serious respiratory health issues.
- It is virtually impossible to monitor the color, consistency, and wetness of the feces with these particulate cage bottom coverings, all of which are important reflections of a bird’s health.
How do I clean my bird’s cage?
At least one to two times a month, you should spray down and scrub the entire cage with non-toxic disinfectant soap and hot water. Most disinfectants need to sit on the surface for 10–15 minutes, followed by thorough scrubbing. It is essential to fully rinse the cage with fresh water after applying any soap or disinfectant.
Clean all food and water dishes daily, in the same way. Be sure to wash all chemical residues off the cage, accessories, and feeding utensils before your bird is exposed to them. Ceramic, metal, and most thick plastic dishes may be washed in the dishwasher.
Replace all wood, wicker, and bamboo materials, including perches, every 6 to 12 months. These materials are porous, so dirt and bacteria can deeply penetrate, making them impossible to effectively clean and sterilize.
Clean any toys made of rawhide, rope, or fabric weekly or as needed, as described above, and replace them every 2 to 6 months. Discard heavily soiled rope perches or rope toys, as they tend to harbor harmful bacteria. In addition, it is important to check rope and fabric toys daily to ensure there are no loose strings that your bird can get body parts caught in.
Which disinfectants are safe to use?
- One cup of household chlorine bleach in one gallon of water is effective against many disease-causing organisms.
- There are several commercial cleaning liquids designed specifically for birds’ cages.
- White vinegar is extremely effective at removing urates and dried-on feces from metal and plastic surfaces.
- For aviary or flock situations, a disinfectant with broader antimicrobial properties may be more beneficial.
- A high-quality liquid dish soap is useful for cleaning cages, bowls, and perches.
Many disinfectants, including bleach and vinegar, must be used with great care and may release toxic fumes. They must be used with proper ventilation, and your bird should not be in the room while they are being used. To be most effective, disinfectants should be applied to a wet surface. Remember to always rinse well after using any disinfectant, so no residue is left on the cage or its contents.
