What do you use for disinfecting a budgie cage?

[canuck]

Since Ember's passing I wasn't able to think about purchasing another bird. Now I am close to being ready.

Ember passed away from some type of respiratory illness, took him to the vet etc, few months plus ago.

I'm worried that his cage could have germs from his illness and I really want to clean it before buying another one. In the past, before Ember was sick, I would take him out of the cage, and wash it out once in awhile with warm-hot water.

Someone told me to use 10% bleach solution (bleach and water) ,rinse well. I am concerned about using bleach. Even though I may rinse well, there some could still be embedded in the cage bars, fumes etc.

I know chemicals are a big no no around birds. Are there safe non toxic cleaners you can buy at a pet store or vet office?

Or would hot water be sufficient?

I plan on throwing out his old perches which were tree branches and finding new ones.

Thanks!

[Berserka]

One of the best cage and food bowl cleaners I've come across is human Baby Bottle soaks. The one I get is around $2 for a 1.25L bottle and use it at the rate of around 50ml per 8 Litres. Soak bowls (cage can come apart and soak in laundry tub) for 1 hour. Don't rinse, let dry in sun and it's done.

Bleach is also good - just rinse off the bleach with hot water and let sun dry.

Good luck with getting yourself a new bird. Thing I've found is don't compare your new one to Ember too much - you say you won't but it will be only natural. S/he will have a different personality & you know no one can take his place.

[canuck]

Thanks Karen!

I will look for the baby bottle stuff. If I can't find it I will use bleach. The sky has been cloudy for a long time. Hopefully we will have sunny skies soon. If not it would be okay to let the cage air dry in the house, would that be sufficient?

[judy]

That sounds good guys, might try it myself. good luck on your new bird shelley. Ive also heard dettol is good for cleaning and sterilising perches and cages, its natural and doesnt harm your birds.

[Berserka]

I'd prefer it if you could air dry it outside Shelley - no chance of it drying without air blowing etc.

[canuck]

Thanks Karen! I will place the cage outside.

[Billie]

Hi Canuck

I use F10sc Veterinary Disinfectant, this was recommended to me by an Avian Vet.

There is a web site listed on it
www.f10biocare.co.uk

Not sure if it is available outside the UK though.

Billie xx