Good hygiene is an important part of husbandry
for caged birds because most are confined to a
relatively small living space. Consequently,
droppings often accumulate on cage parts and
perches, and tend to contaminate food and water
cups, resulting in bacterial proliferation and
mold growth.
Perches should be kept scrupulously clean at
all times. Soap and water, cleansers and sand
paper may be used to clean them, if necessary.
Cage-bottom coverings should be changed daily.
Cages should be given a thorough scrubbing and
cleaning at least once a month. Sanitizing
products work best if the cage and perches are
first given a thorough soap and water scrubbing to
remove all of the major contamination. Diluted
chlorine bleach can be used if thoroughly rinsed
off afterwards.
Food and water containers should be thoroughly
cleaned once or twice daily before they are
refilled. Bottle brushes work best for cleaning
water tubes and bottles. Water tubes and water
bottles with a ball valve at the drinking end
(water bottles for rodents) are increasing in
popularity. They greatly reduce the possibility of
contamination of the drinking water with
droppings, uneaten food and saliva, all of which
contribute to massive bacterial proliferation
within the water and its container. The corners of
food and water containers are the most common
areas for bacterial buildup. Therefore,
concentrate on those trouble spots while cleaning
these containers.
Several sets of food and water cups should be
maintained and used interchangeably. One set not
in use can be soaking in a disinfectant solution.
When possible, use a dishwasher for the final
cleaning of these food and water containers
because their extremely hot temperatures aid
disinfection.
Rigid standards of hygiene must be maintained
at all times. Disease causing bacteria grow freely
in most water containers. Small numbers of these
bacteria from food, saliva or droppings can
quickly multiply into millions of organisms in a
water container, yet the water appears normal to
you. Allow the water tap to run for about 3
minutes before filling the water container.
Bottled water dispensers should be allowed to run
for about 5 seconds before filling the drinking
container. These bacteria do not affect most
people but can have devastating consequences for
caged birds if allowed to multiply.
