How to Clean an Aviary

A number of factors go into keeping birds healthy. Besides proper diet, perhaps the most important factor is keeping your aviary clean. By keeping birds in an aviary, you eliminate the two things found in nature that normally clean their environment: rain and sunshine. To prevent disease and infection, it is important to keep your aviary clean.

Things You'll Need

  • Newsprint or bird bedding
  • Mild soap
  • Vinegar
  • Soft rags
  • Spray bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a covering on the floor of your aviary for easy cleaning. You can use newsprint that has not been printed on or litter/bedding sold commercially for use in bird cages. If you use paper, change the paper once a day. If you use litter, rake it daily to make the droppings fall to the bottom, and then change the litter once a week.

    • 2

      Clean the bird's food and water containers every day. It is best to use hot water and a mild soap for cleaning. If you have a dishwasher, that is a great way to disinfect the dishes. Provide fresh food and water after cleaning the containers.

    • 3

      Wash the walls of the aviary and all perches and other surfaces inside with hot water and a mild soap once a week. In between thorough cleanings, it is a good idea to wipe droppings off perches daily.

    • 4

      Mix a solution of vinegar and water at a ratio of 2 tbs. vinegar to 1 qt. water. Put the solution into a spray bottle and use it to clean any plastic surfaces in your aviary once a week. Use a soft rag when cleaning plastic panels so you do not scratch the surface.

    • 5

      Relocate the birds to another spot if you need to disinfect. Household bleach works well for disinfecting, but the fumes from it can be harmful to the birds. If your aviary is kept clean on a regular basis, then there will rarely be a need to disinfect.