How to Clean a Dove's Cage

Maintaining a clean cage is essential in providing a happy and healthy home for your dove. A cage that's littered with bird droppings and spilled food not only smells terrible but wreaks havoc on your dove's overall happiness. By properly cleaning and maintaining your bird's cage, you ensure that the bird remains happy and healthy. Setting aside a few minutes every week for a complete cage cleaning is all it takes to keep your house smelling nice and your bird happy.

Things You'll Need

  • Non-abrasive scrubbing pads
  • Anti-bacterial soap
  • Toothbrush
  • Newspaper
  • Hand towels
  • Flat wooden perch
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the dove out of the cage. Place the bird in a temporary cage away from the washing area.

    • 2

      Remove the perches from the cage. Place the perches on a piece of newspaper. Remove the food bowls from the cage, as well. Dump out any food, water and oyster grind from the bowls.

    • 3

      Fill the sink with warm water. Pour a small amount of anti-bacterial soap in the water. Place the perches and food bowls in the water. Thoroughly scrub the perches and bowls with a non-abrasive scrubber.

    • 4

      Take the perches and bowls out of the water. Rinse each item off under warm water. Dry with a hand towel. Place the items on a clean, dry towel and allow to thoroughly dry.

    • 5

      Remove any dirty newspaper or liners from the cage. Remove any flat wooden perches from the cage.

    • 6

      Rinse solid board perches with hot water. Scrub particularly messy wooden perches with a non-abrasive scrubber.

    • 7

      Place the cage in the bathtub. Wet the non-abrasive scrubber. Apply a small amount of anti-bacterial soap to the scrubber.

    • 8

      Scrub the grating and sides of the cage. Wet a toothbrush. Apply anti-bacterial soap to the toothbrush. Scrub hard-to-reach areas and corners of the cage with the toothbrush. Allow the soap to sit on the grating and sides for two minutes. Rinse the cage off with warm water.

    • 9

      Inspect the cage. Look for missed or dirty areas on the cage. Clean remaining dirty areas with the toothbrush. Rinse with warm water after touch-up cleaning.

    • 10

      Dry the cage with a hand towel. This eliminates the risk of rusting in corners or chipped paint areas.

    • 11

      Place the cage in a sunny, warm area. Allow the cage to fully dry.

    • 12

      Place fresh newspaper or a new liner at the bottom of the cage.

    • 13

      Reinstall the perches. Install a fresh flat wooden perch while the wet one is drying.

    • 14

      Replace the food bowls.