How to Clean a Bird Cage With the Bird Inside – 8 Steps

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Clinton Atkins

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George Dukes

how to clean a bird cage with the bird inside

Caring for a bird requires effort and knowledge of how to clean a bird cage with the bird inside. Being thorough with the cleanliness of your bird cages is crucial for your pet’s health. Leaving droppings, dust, mold, and bacteria in their aviary can induce allergies or sneezing, which also puts you at risk.

But why keep them inside while cleaning when you can let them out for a while? Some birds are a flight risk, and many prefer cleaning the cage with the birds inside because they don’t have a spare pen for the birds. Regardless of the reason, you can clean parakeet cage with the bird in it. Here is how.

Step-by-Step Guide to Clean a Bird Cage With the Bird Inside

When birds are in the wild, they can preen whenever they want and not worry about their droppings. But that is not the case for caged birds.

Buying a spacious cage is not enough; you need to clean bird cage naturally. The best way to do it is to disinfect bird cage with vinegar. Here’s an easy tutorial you can follow:

Step 1: Choose an easy-to-clean bird cage.

clean-parakeet-cage

There are many kinds of bird cages sold on the market. Aside from the size, bar spacing, and cage type, opting for one with a dropping tray at the bottom is crucial. This accessory makes it convenient for you to clean and maintain your bird cage.

Step 2: Make use of the dropping tray

Using the dropping tray is easy; you can slide it in and out efficiently from the grill where it sits. Removing and cleaning the accumulated droppings on the tray takes a few minutes, so you can do it at the end of each week.

For those who are not fond of washing the tray again and again, line it with a newspaper or disposable sheet. But ensure the birds cannot reach the line of paper or plastic, or they’ll leave a mess. The tip is placing it close to the bottom and tightening the creases.

Step 3: Start from the bottom.

best-way

Removing and washing the dropping tray is not enough. After a few weeks, you will notice that the bottom grill is covered in dry feces, old food, and other debris. When this is left for a month, it will pile up, crust over the grill, and smell bad.

When cleaning the cage, start from the bottom. Take off the dropping tray, wash it, and let it dry. Replace the liners and set them aside.

Step 4: Disinfect the cage.

Since you are cleaning the cage with the bird inside, it is vital to avoid using spray disinfectants; they are harmful to the birds. Rub a non-toxic disinfectant on the grate and grill and leave it to sit for about 15 minutes. You can use vinegar mixed with water as a natural and safe disinfectant.

Next, give the grill a good scrub. Use a sturdy one with durable bristles. Brush the cracks and crevices, and get the bristles down into the grooves and corners. Then, give it a good rinse with fresh water. Even if you use a gentle disinfectant, it is essential to wash them off so no residue is left on the cage.

Step 5: Clean the dishes and toys, too.

bird-cage-cleaners

All the accessories in the cage, including the dishes, perches, and toys need to be cleaned. Birds use their mouths to examine and play with their toys; thus, you should wash them clean and sanitize them.

Take them out of the cage for convenient washing. You can wash the plastic items in warm, soapy water. Again, use organic cleaners, not those you usually use for your plates.

Wooden accessories might need extra care and a different cleaning method since they are impossible to sterilize. Either avoid this type of material or replace the items twice a year.

Step 6: Let it dry

Birds get chilled easily. So, make sure to let all the cage components dry completely. Wipe the cage frame with a dry, soft cloth and let the air do its job. It could take a few minutes to an hour before everything is nice and dry.

Step 7: Sweep the surrounding area, too

cleaning-bird-cage

Don’t forget to mop around the area where you cleaned the cage. Sweep up before vacuuming. A small, hand-held vacuum works too. You will find feathers, seeds, and debris scattered while scrubbing the cage.

Step 8: Leave many treats

Playful birds can make your cage cleaning process tricky since they like to jump around and see what you are doing. But most of the time, they sit at the top perch and observe.

Make cleaning less stressful for your feathered friends by finding out what they like to do when you clean. The way your hand moves around the cage can affect their moods.

Giving them lots of treats when you are done will make a huge difference. They will associate it as a positive thing and will most likely behave or be in a good mood the next time you clean their cage.

Bird Cage Cleaning Hacks

with-the-bird-in-it

  • Set a cleaning You can categorize the tasks as daily, weekly, or monthly. This will minimize your work, save you time and energy, and ensure a clean and comfortable cage for your bird.
  • Wear gloves when cleaning the cage, especially when you are touching droppings.
  • Consider moving the bird cage to another room when cleaning. It will reduce the mess you have to clean after. You can also use an old sheet and place it under the cage before you start. That way, picking it up, shaking it outside, and washing it afterward is easier.
  • Other homemade natural solutions besides white vinegar are baking soda, salt, and lemon juice.
  • Rotate toys when cleaning the bird cage, especially when you need to soak the dirty ones. It will also ensure your birds don’t get bored with their playthings.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to clean a bird cage with the bird inside the right way, we hope you have an easy time doing so. Remember that you are doing it for the safety and comfort of your pet birds. When they are happy and content, you are too. Cleaning bird cage is one of the best things you can do for your feathered friends.

Do you know anyone who has bird cage cleaners but doesn’t know how to clean the cage with their bird inside? Then this article can surely help! Share this with them!

Moreover, discover other topics that are related to taking care of birds:

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