disinfecting a used cage

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:20 pm

Hi All,

I'm so excited. I just picked up a used cage from the bird store a 30x18x18. It seems so huge for just two birds but I understand how much they need it since it's their permanent home. I wish I could get bigger but for now I think it will be much better then what they are in.

My question is, how do I clean/disinfect it. I read about a bleach solution. Do you let it soak overnight, etc.?

Thanks in advance,
Renee

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:37 pm

All wire cage???
Strong bleach wash rinsed off well will do fine.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 6:50 pm

Just repeating what Poohbear said: Wash all over, inside and out, and all the corners with a brush using bleach / water and let dry in the sun if possible. Don't forget to include anything that came with the cage - dishes, perches, toys - all get the bleach / water wash. I do not soak mine - just wash good and let dry.

Very exciting!

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Sat Nov 29, 2008 8:46 pm

Thanks guys! They gave me new perches and I will buy some branches later on. It's a white metal cage with the cups which I'll clean and bleach along with the cage. I have my own toys and decorations. I hope to get a new camera soon to post some pics. I'm very excited

Thanks again,
Renee

mickp · Post by **mickp** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 2:00 am

if you dont want to use bleach vinegar will achieve the same result

poohbear · Post by **poohbear** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 3:41 am

Buy branches????
Don't be nuts....get out there and cut some for free.Sycamore,Ash,Hazel, and any fruit trees are perfectly safe...wash 'em first.

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 9:55 am

... and branches from outside are perfectly more economical!

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 10:51 am

I have plenty, I have two huge trees in my front and back yard. I'm not sure what kind they are though. I just like the look of the Manzanita branches.

How would you go about cleaning the branches from outside?

Renee

L in Ontario · Post by **L in Ontario** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 12:30 pm

Same as for the cage would be fine. Some people bake them for a shor t while but I don't.

GOULDYGIRL · Post by **GOULDYGIRL** » Sun Nov 30, 2008 3:07 pm

Thanks, will look for some suiteable ones. Well, the cage is all cleaned and set up and the goulds were added. My husband built a shelf for the cage and they are now in the back porch. They are sitting very quitetly on one of the perches and haven't moved much but they are churping away. They sure do have more room now and can stretch their wings a lot more. I'm so happy for them.

Now I keep thinking about that little fire finch male who is still at the bird store. Boy is he a cutie. The owner says it's going to be a while before they'll be able to find a female for him. All they have is males available. He seems so quite and passive, I wish I could bring him home and put him in with the goulds. I guess it wouldn't be a good idea??? LOL He's in s nice 4ft flight at the store but stays mostly on the bottom or perched while all the other waxbills go wizzing by.

Renee

FeatherHarp · Post by **FeatherHarp** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 9:45 am

We have lots of nice willow trees around here and they make nice branches. When I bake the willow branches in the oven it smells sooooo good....kind of sweet smelling!

Here is some info below on how to sterilize branches.

And here is the link if you want to read more information:
Selecting Perches for Caged Birds

Preparing natural branches: If using natural branches, they should be from non-poisonous plants and areas which have NOT been sprayed or treated with insecticides or herbicides. Good sources of natural branches include most fruit and nut trees, ash, elm, dogwood, and magnolia. Grapevines can also be tried. To avoid introducing insects or diseases from wild birds into the cage, the branches should be cleaned with a disinfectant, rinsed, and dried in the sun; boiled in water; or placed in an oven at 250º for 10-20 minutes (watch closely) depending upon the diameter of the perch.

I always wondered too if taking the cage outside and rolling it around in the snow or letting it sit out in -20 degree weather would cold sterilize it?

franny · Post by **franny** » Mon Dec 01, 2008 1:14 pm

FeatherHarp wrote:I always wondered too if taking the cage outside and rolling it around in the snow or letting it sit out in -20 degree weather would cold sterilize it?

Fortunately we seldom get enough snow here to try that!

But my thought is that -20 isn't cold enough. In order to kill the pine beetles that are devestating the pine forests here in BC we'd need sustained winter temperatures of -40!! So I'm afraid it's bleach or vinegar here!