Must the finches be removed for cleaning the cage?

[Wombat kisses]

Thus far, I've allowed them to stay in the cage while I've cleaned around them. Catching them and putting them into some other vessel for the duration of cleaning just sounded needlessly stressful for them. I've used only mild soap and water while cleaning. Am I doing this right? It sounds like many of you remove the birds to clean the cage, use stronger cleaners, etc.

[Barbara]

I also just clean with hot water and a mild soap,I have three F030 cages cut and connected to make a long flight cage I have a canary,a pair of blues,a pair of gold breasted and a family of six society,I would never try to catch them and stress them out but with the three cages when I am working on one they fly to the farthest cage they can,I change paper 2X a day,sweep out daily and wash down 2 to 3 times a week as needed.I think if you keep up with it it will not have to be emptied and brought outside to wash down with bleach and hose down ,as long as you do not use chemicals or anything strong smelling my opinion you would be fine,I use dawn dish detergent they use on animals,baby ducks and sea life that have oil from spills in them so my thinking would be OK for our pet birds,I have been doing this for months and all is well so far.See what other advice you get there are many that may know more then me.

[delray]

Wombat kisses If you are using soap and water that should be fine. As long as you aren't using any substances that could hurt your birds with the fumes. I usually use wipes to clean the perches, and I keep them inside.

[Koko]

I allow them to stroll around the carpet when I am cleaning his cage to not stress them. It is time for stretching wings for them After cleaning I give them sprawy millet or some salad and they return to the cage.

[Spreckles]

Since my cages are now on the porch I clean everything with the hose and a scrub brush. I use a vinegar water spray bottle to clean to clean water cups and bath bowls. They just move out of the way. So easy.