How to Clean Big Cage

[Ontariomama]

I've got a 4 x 4 x 5' cage for my gouldians and want to know how to "sterilize" it. I've been doing cleaning with soapy water with minimal disturbance of the birds - they don't seem to mind my hand being in the cage. So, how do I properly clean the cage? Is soap/water enough? I definitely don't want to stress the birds by catching them and moving them to another cage.

[Madcat]

I've seen the non toxic cage cleaner for birds in the pet store. Has a scrub brush on the top. I haven't used it but maybe this would work for spot cleaning the bars and perches.

[Chirpington]

I just use vinegar and water for spot cleaning. I don't think you need to remove your birds. I wash down cage bars, perches and the grate with my birds still in the cage. This works well for me because I can access all parts of the flight cages.
Maybe once in a while use something a little stronger like Poop off or other enzyme cleaners.

[David]

Hi ontariomama,
I always use either vinegar with water method or lemon juice with little baking soda and water to clean my cages(small to big cages)
Use a clean spray bottle would be the best, don't use those bought from stores that contain toxic chemical cleaner ones, which not good for the birds. Simply mix 2cups hot water, 2tablespoons baking soda and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Because lemon juice contains enzymes which will break down the food and dropping on the cage, also as a natural disinfect/sterilize which safe for your birds. Try not use soap for cleaning bird cages because it also contain some harmful chemical which inhale by birds lead to health problems. ( if you don't have a spray bottle you can use any clean container which can fill up all these stuff inside, and then you can use some clean towels to wet it before wipe the cage bird.) you can always use more of them if you want, like if you use 3 cups hot water, then use 4tbsp baking soda and 4tbsp of lemon juice etc.

2nd method (use vinegar and water):
Mix one capfuls (2oz) of vinegar per gallon, (I used ACV-Bragg raw apple cider vinegar ) you can use white vinegar and or regular ACV is fine too. If you want to use less, for example 1/2capful (1oz) of vinegar per 1/2gallon etc.
I like both methods because if I am out of lemon then will use ACV with water. You can buy a regular white vinegar very cheap and last longtime too hope this helps and good luck for your birds!

[Ontariomama]

Thank you so much for the replies. This forum is a wealth of information!

[David]

You are most welcome! Good luck and hope your birds don't well and health! Keep us posted