How to Clean the Birdcage

By Susan M. Keenan

For many people, birds are truly one of the finer pleasures of life. Our fine feathered friends make excellent pets that fill a place in our lives and add a bit of extra color and brightness to it. If we are fortunate enough to have a singer, then our pet bird also fills our days with musical pleasure.

Although birds raised as pets typically live in a restricted location, the clean up they require is more than minimal. However, cleaning up after our feathered friends is not such a monumental task that we are put off by it. In fact, if you prefer not to go through all of the steps below, you can always invest in a self-cleaning birdcage. Although a self-cleaning birdcage will reduce the number of cleaning tasks that you have to do, it will not eliminate them completely.

Cleaning the birdcage, if done properly, can be rewarding in more ways than one. Since we will be near our pet while we clean his or her cage, excellent bonding time can occur. Spending time with our pets is similar to spending time with their human counterparts - without all of the drama that goes along with it.

Birds are truly appreciative of a clean cage, clean water and food dishes, and our company. In addition to having a happier pet, we will also have a healthier pet. The best solution for maintaining a clean birdcage is to perform a daily cleanup.

Daily clean ups are typically quick and easy tasks that will shorten the amount of time needed for a more extensive cleanup later on in the month. Moreover, you have the added benefit of keeping an eye on your pet for any signs of distress or illness.

Daily Cleanup Tasks

Using a scouring sponge and hot water, remove any evidence of food and feces from the cage. Clean the perch, toys, and the sides of the cage.
Discard any old food and water.
Wash the water and food dishes with hot, soapy water. Rinse them thoroughly, being careful to remove all traces of soap. Allow them to air dry while you go about the business of cleaning the rest of the cage. If necessary, purchase a disinfectant that is safe for birds to use on the dishes.
Replace the liner in the bottom of the birdcage. Be careful not to spill anything and to clean it up immediately if you do.
Clean up anything that has fallen from the cage to the floor below it. A handheld vacuum cleaner is ideal for this task. If the floor is carpeted, consider using a plastic mat below the cage for easier cleanup.
Refill the food and water dishes and replace them to the cage. Make sure that the food dish is completely dry before putting food inside of it.

Weekly and Monthly Cleanup Tasks

Monthly cleaning chores can easily become weekly ones if you have more than one bird sharing a cage, your birds are overly messy, or you neglect to do your daily cleanup tasks. Use your best judgment to determine which of the following tasks need to be done every week and which only need to be done once a month. A second cage is an excellent place to keep your birds while thoroughly cleaning the cage.

Completely remove the cage bottom or turn the cage upside down to shake out every seed or loose debris from the cage.
Scrub the entire cage with hot, soapy water. Use a clean scouring pad or sponge for this task. Mild dish soap is excellent for this task as well. If possible, you can place the cage in the shower for an easier time cleaning the cage. Simply shower the cage first and allow the hot water to soak into the dirt before scrubbing it clean. Rinse the cage thoroughly with clean water.
Scrub any cage accessories and toys with hot, soapy water as well. Rinse them thoroughly with clean water.
Spray the toys, accessories, and cage with a nontoxic disinfectant that is safe for birds. Follow the instructions on the label of the disinfectant.
Allow the cage, toys, and accessories to dry.
Wash the cage apron thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Rinse it thoroughly to remove any residue.
Clean the floor below the cage thoroughly. If possible, wash and disinfect it.
Once the cage has dried, place several paper liners in the bottom of the cage to make the daily removal and replacement of them easier.
Replace the accessories and toys to the cage.
Replace any food or water dishes that are in need of replacement due to wear and tear or unsightly stains.
Refill the water and food in the bird's dishes. Make sure that the food dish is completely dry before putting food inside of it. Return them to the cage.
Return your bird to the birdcage.