How to Clean a Bird Cage

Birds generally poop between 20 to 50 times a day. Similar to a baby who doesn't like to sit in a dirty diaper, birds don't want to live in their own filth. Regularly cleaning is an important part of your bird's health and wellness. Dirty cages cause the growth of bacteria, and this can lead to a variety of health problems. Although cleaning may seem like a tedious task at first, it becomes easier once you establish a routine.

Birds are very sensitive to the toxic fumes of disinfectants, but disinfectants are necessary to keep the cage clean. Before you do any major cleaning, it's important to remove your bird from the cage, and even from the room, to lower the chance of allergic reactions and respiratory problems.

Daily Cleaning Checklist

Daily cleaning tasks include changing the cage liner and the food and water dishes. It's unhealthy for your bird to walk around in his discarded food and droppings, plus the smell will become overbearing after a few days. By changing the food and water dishes, you'll limit the growth of bacteria. Wash them with a mild detergent, making sure they're rinsed and dried thoroughly; damp food can lead to mold. Clean the area around the cage as well, including the floor and walls.

Weekly Cleaning Checklist

The commonly used items in the cage need to be cleaned weekly, including perches, toys, and the cage-liner tray. These items accumulate dirt and waste, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Wash and rinse them before using any disinfectants, and make sure they're clean and dry before giving them back to your bird. It's a good idea to have more than one set of perches and toys so you can rotate them while they're being cleaned. This will ensure that your bird stays entertained during the cleaning process.

Monthly Cleaning Checklist

Every month, the cage needs a thorough cleaning. Remove everything inside and give it a good wash, either in the bathtub or outside with the garden hose. Scrub everything well with a mild detergent, especially in the cracks and crevices. Sometimes droppings can be difficult to get off, but Poop Off usually removes it. Use a disinfectant after removing all organic material, such as feces or food from the surfaces. Pet Focus Aviary and Cage Cleaner is a safe cleaner that works well. Rinse and dry everything thoroughly, making sure there's no residual.

Once you establish a routine, it only takes a few minutes a day and a couple hours a month to make sure your bird's home is clean and comfortable. A clean cage is just one easy way to ensure your bird's quality of life!

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