I bought a larger cage from someone who had posted an ad in the paper. They said in the ad that it was brand new, but it had a few toys (which I've thrown out for sanitation purposes) in it and they admitted to having a quaker in it for a while.
It is the white coated metal/wire with the hard plastic tray bottom. The best I can find as to how to properly clean this is to wash it with soapy water, then wipe on a diluted bleach solution ( 1/4 cup to 1 gal. or 1Tbsp to 1gal. -I've heard both).
What have you used in your experience or heard (from a credible source) is safest to use? My 'keet isn't going near this thing unless I'm satified that it is both clean and safe for him to chew on (because I know he will!!!).
Thanks!!!
2006-12-13 07:08:06 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Ah- since I've had a few comments on this:
I'll make it clear that I threw out the rope toy, "pacifier" chew toy, and mineral block that were in the cage.
However (and thanks for reminding me!) it did come with two wooden perches. How can I sanitize these as well? I've heard soapy water, rinse well, then place in the freezer for a few days to kill remaining bacteria. It's going to be expensive to totally replace (though I will if I need to) because the two he has are far too small to span the width of the new cage!
2006-12-13 07:27:32 · update #1
It's best to have too much bleach than not enough.
Use very hot soapy water and rinse well, then when you use the bleach (1/4 c. to 1 gal.) leave it on for about a minute and then rinse like you've never rinsed before..haha Really rinse lots.
Your cute little keet will be so happy with it's new condo.
If there are any wooden perches I would throw them away and buy new ones. Anything else just wash like you would the cage.
Hey, ya know what's good for boids? Is an apple branch. You can pick your own so you can get the exact one you want. But, you need to leave it set for about 6 months in a dry warm enviroment..like the top of the fridge. I bet your keet would have a hey day chew-chew-chewing on that.
You can also buy one from the store but it's kinda hard to find one that is small enough diameter for your keets little feets.
Enjoy watching you feathered kid have fun!
2006-12-13 07:23:02 · answer #1 · answered by oodlesoanimals 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I use to breed a few birds, lol, I 'vie had twenty different canaries breeding at the same time and they always need their own cages. So you see, I bought and also have had given to me allot of different cages. Everyone had to be cleaned and i used 1/4 cup bleach to a gallon of water. Also to be safe, I would also let the cages sit a couple of days before introducing a new bird to it. I also would clean any toys in the same solution as the cages and also the perches. but with the perches, i would go one step further, I would after they were dry and sanded a bit, i would place them into an oven set at 350 degree's, for about half an hour. I found that this worked very well and if by chance the perches were rough after this i would also lightly sand them. Over the years that i was into breeding, i never had a bird get infections on their feet nor anywhere else. I always thought an ounce of prevention was always worth a pound of cure
2006-12-13 15:59:43 · answer #2 · answered by partmenta 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Good for you for looking out for the best for your bird!!
You can thoroughly wash out the cage with dawn powerfoam dish soap, a toothbrush, and a scrubbing brush. Soak it up really good and just scrub it down. Make sure you rinse it really well once you are satisfied that it is clean.
I would suggest getting your bird some new perches and toys. Those can collect bacteria.
I do not suggest using bleach, even if it is dilluted. That and the fumes can be tough on a little parakeet.
2006-12-13 15:14:49 · answer #3 · answered by LiaChien 5 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I would use a 1/4 cup bleach to 1 gallon water. And very hot water. Then make sure to rinse very well.
2006-12-13 15:14:25 · answer #4 · answered by bling***bling 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The soap/water wash and the mild bleach solution should be sufficient. Just make sure any droppings, dust, or any other solid matter are removed completely. If you'd like to be extra sure, try repeating the process.
2006-12-13 15:43:21 · answer #5 · answered by texastailfeathers 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I breed birds and use Milton Baby Antibacterial Solution, you know the stuff used to sterilize baby bottles etc etc.. Soak in the solution for the time required and use a stiff brush/toothbrush to remove any poop and stuff from hard to reach places..
2006-12-13 22:52:43 · answer #6 · answered by ~Ozy~ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Vinegar seems to be the gold standard for many parrot owners.
I suggest chatting with some folks at http://www.theperch.net/discussion
Good luck, and have fun!
oh, and you can always place perches in the corners of the cage, if need be.
2006-12-13 15:44:59 · answer #7 · answered by CrazyBirdMom 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋