Cleaning a GIANT flight cage with them in it?

[katlovesaandw]

Ok, I need to tackle the finches cage.
I have done spot cleaning and changed the bottom pan, etc. but poop is needing to be removed from the sides and perches.
9 finches in a giant HOEI flight cage with crappy access doors.
Any easy way to do this?
Not removing them all, that would traumatize them too much but.....

I need to change out fake vines, scrub poop off perches, and clean some of the side bars of dried poop.

Just suck it up, do it and piss them off? Last time I did this was they were in another cage and moving into this one so no biggie.....

[MiaCarter]

Yeah, I think cleaning around them is the only solution if you don't want to remove them.

Do you have a way that you could partition it, perhaps by sliding some cardboard through the bars to make a temporary divider wall?

That would make it a bit easier.

Just remember to avoid sprays. Or if you do use spray, set it to the fat droplet mode so the solution isn't aerosolized. (You can spray in front of a bright light source and look to see if any droplets remain airborne. If they all fall without remaining airborne, you're good!)
Really, though, a wipe down is usually easiest.

[katlovesaandw]

I figured I would wipe down and use vinegar water only, very mild. No spraying.
Good idea about dividing it with cardboard. That would work.....
THANKS!

[delray]

miacarter 's idea is great! That should work.

[CHIRP]

Once the light drops below a specific amount my pair are in the nest, gone, I can open the entire cage and clean it, they wont show till next light.

[lovezebs]

katlovesaandw
Just cleaned two of my flights in the last few days so I can tell you what worked better for me.
One flight I took everyone out into a small cage, because they were moving house anyway. Scrubbed everything down with hot water and dish soap. Worked alright, but catching those little guys was a terrible job. OMG!
Next flight, I cleaned around the little devils . Maybe not as thorough but worked well. No escapes and everyone sat at the top watching me with great interest, then shifted from one side to the other to accomodate their human slave.
Perches were taken out and scrubbed in the sink. Plants weresosoaked in hot soap water and scrubbed clean. Bars were wiped clean, as well as sides, ledges etc. Corners were cleaned with old tooth brush.

Looks darn good, if I do say so myself. But what a job.
Anyway, I found working around them easier than taking them out.