General Info:
A cage that is difficult to clean is an unsafe cage. When cages are hard to clean, people tend to procrastinate. Cleaning is postponed until the cages are filthy. This increases the likelihood of bacterial and fungal contamination — not to mention it is ugly and messy.
Technique:
- Any feces or food should be wiped off of the grates, bars and apron daily. Stubborn dried-on organic material can be sprayed with hot water from a plant mister, allowed to soak for a few minutes and then will wipe off easily. These areas may be wiped down with a mild disinfectant and rinsed off. However, this must be done daily or it will be come more difficult with each passing day and soon a major clean up and strong disinfectants become necessary.
- Papers used to line the bottom of the cage should be picked up every day.
- The best time to clean the cage is just before the bird is put to bed, so that the cage stays clean as long as possible.
- Dust cage surfaces weekly and do a thorough cleaning once every three months.
- These cleaning methods apply when the bird is healthy. If a sick bird is involved then a much more aggressive cleaning and disinfecting regime must be implemented.
- Cages should have aprons to help contain any mess inside the cage. Stainless steel cages or cages with powder coat finish are the easiest to clean. A large sheet of Plexiglas (very reasonably priced) can be attached to the wall near the cage. It is attractive and easy to clean.
Precautions:
Cages with horizontal bars are difficult to clean. They are nice for clumsy baby birds. Yet, if the bar spacing is correct it is not necessary to have horizontal bars on the cage of a healthy adult bird.
