How to Properly Clean Your Bird Cage

It is essential that you learn how to properly clean a bird cage weekly for optimal health. You will also want to do a simple daily mini-cleaning to keep your bird in tip-top condition. If you don't clean your bird's cage regularly, you'll run the risk of your bird developing serious health problems.

Daily Bird Cage Cleaning
Every day you'll want to replace the old food with new food, empty the water dish, wipe it out with a paper towel and add clean water and replace the paper lining the bottom of the cage with fresh paper. This cleaning routine should take you less than five minutes a day, and it will protect your bird from serious health issues.

Weekly Bird Cage Cleaning
Once a week you'll want to remove your bird from its cage and do a thorough bird cage cleaning. If you do this every week, it should only take you about 20 minutes per bird cage.

• Wash your bird's water and food dishes in hot, soapy water. If possible, run them through the dishwasher to sterilize them.
• Scrub any perches, ladders, toys or bars that have been soiled. You can use mild, soapy water and rinse well, or a special bird cage cleaning solution. Avoid harsh detergents. Never use any detergents with strong scents or fumes anywhere near your bird's cage.
• Sweep underneath the bird cage.
• Shake out any bird cage covers, scrubbing off any bird feces. Run bird cage covers through the washer and dryer whenever needed.
• Replace bird cage liner with new paper.

Observations to Make While Cleaning Your Bird Cage
While cleaning your bird's cage, check to see if your bird's droppings have changed in shape, size or texture, as loose droppings are often the first indication of illness. Look for a decrease in food consumption as well. One more thing to check for is blood or excessive molting (the loss of feathers). All these symptoms can be indications that your bird needs a checkup at the vet.