Some dishes may be dishwasher safe. Check to make sure that your dishes are dishwasher safe before placing them in the dishwasher, and make sure you use an animal-safe detergent. Animal-safe dish soaps and detergents are often available at local pet stores, online, or in grocery stores that carry environmentally-friendly cleaning products. It may also be useful to have two or three sets of dishes on hand if you do not have time to properly clean and dry the dishes every day. Often, the bird can stay in the cage during daily cleanings. However, if you think the bird is a flight risk, you may want to consider keeping an alternate cage where the bird can stay while you clean.
When you replace the toys in the cage, consider moving them around to give your bird variety and additional stimulation.
Newspaper lining or any other recycled paper lining should be free of colored ink, as some pigments used in some inks may be toxic to birds. Try to have at least seven layers of paper down to catch and absorb all debris and droppings.
A cage apron can be used to help collect debris falling out of the cage and may be easily emptied every day. These are available at pet stores as well as specialty bird stores. If your cage is in a carpeted area, a plastic floor liner such as a placemat or a mat that might go under an office chair can help catch debris and may be easily sanitized.
Smaller cages with individual birds may only need to be sanitized once a month, especially if the bird is regularly let out of the cage. Large cages for large birds or cages for multiple birds should be sanitized weekly.
It is important to keep your bird in an area free from any exposure to fumes or excess product while you are cleaning your cage. Remember to wash any dishes and cage accessories in hot, soapy water before returning them to the clean cage.
Sandpaper can be useful in removing stubborn debris from wooden perches or toys.
An animal-safe dish soap or detergent is sufficient for this stage in the cleaning process. For better results disinfecting, use a clean towel to lightly dry the cage and soak up any excess water pooling around the cage’s surfaces.
Some people opt to use a vinegar cleaning solution of one part distilled white vinegar and two parts water. Another homemade solution is three cups hot water, three tablespoons baking soda, and three tablespoons lemon juice. [7] X Research source If you do not have the means to spray the disinfectant on the cage, thoroughly wipe down every surface with a clean towel soaked in the disinfectant solution. Remember to use protective gloves whenever handling the disinfectant.
Do not put wet or unrinsed components back in the cage, as these may cause harm to your bird or otherwise hinder their movement and access to parts of the cage.
Some birdbaths are meant for use inside the cage, while some are meant for use outside the cage. Larger birds may benefit from external baths, but bath setup largely comes down to owner preference. If you have a bird that can swim, such as a duck, make sure the bath contains enough space and water for the bird to be able to dunk their head safely.
Once your bird has finished bathing, scratch against the feathers to imitate mutual preening. Be sure not to press the feathers down against the bird’s body, as birds do not enjoy this sensation.
If you live in a colder environment, make sure the room is well-heated while your bird is bathing as well as when it is drying off.
