Cage

How to go about cleaning a bird cage?

It was outside for a while and I already hosed it down and let it dry on the patio. The dishes are nasty and the toys that were left inside were extremely rusty. How should I disinfect this cage? I want to use it when I get my second bird to tame him separately. What is a safe way to clean it without dangerous cleaning liquids? I can't save the dishes. The cage was left in the last owner's backyard for a few weeks and the sun ruined the plastic.

Public Comments

1. Actually, double diluting bleach is completely safe for cleaning all animal cages as long as you rinse and dry thoroughly. However, the rusted dishes should be replaced.
2. If the food dishes are dishwasher resistant then you can wash them in the dishwasher. As for the toys, you may want to buy some new ones. They can be difficult to clean, especially if they are rusty.
3. Do not keep the dishes or the toys. The rust and dirt can cause the bird to get sick if digested. Simple soap and water can work wonders to get rid of rust and dirt on the cage, I use it all the time. Just make sure to thoroughly rinse it off. Buy all new toys, dishes and perches, and your new bird should be very happy. (If the paint is peeling off, or if the rust is too bad on the cage, I strongly suggest buying a new cage. Birds like chewing on things, including cage bars, so he/she might eat some of the paint/rust. Which, as mentioned above, can cause serious illness to the bird.)