How to Sanitize a Cockatiel's Cage

Keeping a pet cockatiel's cage clean and sanitized is a necessary part of disease and parasite prevention. The cage should be kept free of dust, chemicals, accumulated droppings and kept away from hazardous fumes. Birds are naturally clean, preferring to perch up on tree tops in the wild where droppings fall to the ground below. They frequently preen themselves, keeping their feathers clean. Taking good care of their cage will help them remain happy and healthy.

Things You'll Need

  • Extra cage (optional)
  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Brush
  • Rag or sponge
  • Newspaper (optional)
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Remove bird from the cage and place in a spare cage or in a safe place in another room away from the one where you plan to clean and sanitize the cage. Birds are very sensitive to fumes and if you are using bleach, this could be potentially hazardous for a pet cockatiel.

    • 2

      Take the perches, toys, food and water containers out of the cage and remove the bottom tray. Throw out any dirty newspapers or sand paper. Empty out food and water cups.

    • 3

      Place perches, food cups and water containers in an empty dishwasher and run the washer as you would for dishes. This is just one way to sanitize cage items. Alternatively you can soak items for 10 minutes in a bowl or bucket with a solution of 1 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of warm water --- keep this solution as you will use it for sanitizing the cage. Wipe or scrub any dirt off the items. Once the cage items are sanitized in the solution, rinse them well with warm tap water and wipe food and water dishes dry. Wooden perches can be placed in the oven for 20 minutes at a low setting to dry. Do not oven-dry perches with plastic parts that cannot be removed. Alternatively, perches can be left to air-dry.

    • 4

      Place newspapers or plastic on the floor where you intend to clean the cage to protect the floor or clean the cage outside. Ensure adequate ventilation if cleaning it indoors by opening a window, making sure the pet cockatiel is safely in another room.

    • 5

      Soak a sponge or cloth in the bleach solution and thoroughly clean the entire cage and floor tray. Use a nail brush, toothbrush or old dish brush to reach into all the corners and crevices that may harbor feces and food. Leave bleach water on the cage surface for at least 30 minutes to disinfect.

    • 6

      Throw out the water and bleach solution, rinse the bucket and refill it with clear, warm tap water. Rinse out all the bleach solution on your sponge in water or use another bleach-free sponge to thoroughly rinse the cage to remove all the bleach solution. Allow the cage to dry completely, preferably outside, before replacing sanitized cage items and clean floor coverings.