Birds are beautiful animals and usually have colorful plumage. Most birds can take care of their feathers on their own, but sometimes you need to bathe them. You can clean the bird by spraying and gently bathing it. You will also need to take care of the aviary, which will help keep it clean.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Bathing the Birds
Step 1. Keep the bird in a warm place
If you bathe your bird or leave it alone, make sure it is in a warm place. This keeps the bird healthy and allows it to bathe and dry properly.
Avoid cold or windy areas
Step 2. Let the bird bathe on its own
Many birds bathe on their own without human assistance. Put the bath in a cage or where the birds can roam freely. Allow the bird to bathe on its own or gently dip it into the water to encourage it to clean itself.
- Consider different types of baths, such as a shower stick, a spray bottle, your sink, or a birdcage tub. Some birds will even rub themselves on wet branches to clean themselves.
- Fill the container with water to a depth of 2.5-5 cm so that the bird can walk and preen at will.
- Use lukewarm water or room temperature so the bird doesn't get cold in the shower.
- Try not to force the bird to bathe.
- Only use soap if the bird is very oily and is watching you.
Step 3. Spray water on the bird
Depending on the level of the bird's soiling, you may be able to clean it by simply spraying it with water. Usually, plain water is considered the most suitable for spraying on birds. Just spray a little with water until the bird is clean.
- Make sure you only spray a little or the pressure is so light that it doesn't hurt the bird. For example, some birds like the spray from the sink.
- Spray daily or whenever needed.
- Try not to spray water directly on the bird's face.
- Purchase a cleaning spray product if you want, although it's usually not necessary.
Step 4. Bathe the bird with soap
In most cases, you don't need to wash your bird with soap. However, sometimes birds are soiled with oil or other substances that only soap can clean. Use a mild soap to clean the bird.
- Make sure the bird is stable enough to clean with soap.
- Fill the container with water to a depth of 2.5-5 cm. Add a low-concentration dish soap like Dawn, which has been shown to be effective and non-irritating to birds' eyes and skin.
- Rinse the bird completely by spraying water. This stage is important so that the birds can dry themselves properly and the water retention process is not disturbed.
- Talk to your vet if your bird has something difficult to clean, such as chewing gum.
Step 5. Let the bird aerate itself
Birds cannot fly with wet wings and aerating themselves is an important part of shedding their feathers and flying again. Keep the bird in a warm, sunny room so it can dry completely.
- Try not to use a hairdryer on the bird as it can burn the skin.
- Avoid drying the bird with a towel. Allowing the bird's feathers to dry and arrange itself is part of the process of water retention.
- Gently stroke the bird in the direction of its feathers, if possible. This step helps the drying.
- Be aware that birds' breasts may tremble after being bathed. This doesn't mean he's cold, but it's a natural reaction to generate body heat and help dry his coat.
Step 6. Take the bird to a vet or professional for cleaning
If your bird is quite dirty or you're unsure if you can clean it yourself, schedule an appointment with your vet or professional bird stylist. In this way, birds can be cleaned safely and effectively so that they remain healthy and happy.
For those who live in the United States, find a veterinarian who is a member of the Association of Avian Veterinarians
Part 2 of 2: Maintaining the Cage
Step 1. Learn the importance of bird cage care
Birds can be messy, but keeping the cage clean is very important for the health, cleanliness and happiness of birds. Remove dirt and other material (eg hair loss) from the cage daily and do a deep cleaning every week or so if necessary. Make sure the cage is large enough and comfortable for the bird by considering the following points:
- Birds should be able to fly and spread their wings easily.
- Birds should have enough space for their bowls to eat and drink
- Birds should get enough stimulation from toys and branches.
Step 2. Tidy the cage every day
You can improve your bird's health and happiness by tidying up its cage every day. This step not only keeps the birds happy and the air clean, but also makes deep cleaning easier.
- Tidy up the cage when the bird is playing outside. Don't forget to give the bird as much time out of the cage as possible, which will make maintenance easier.
- Change the food and refill the water bottle with fresh water.
- Remove all seeds and nuts from the bottom of the cage. You will also need to remove any dirt and other hair from the bottom of the cage.
- Place a new sheet of paper or kitchen tissue as a base at the bottom of the cage, if using one. Discard all soiled paper.
- Wipe all surfaces with a vinegar and water mixture or an enzyme spray purchased at a pet store.
Step 3. Disinfect the surface of the cage every week
Because birds often produce a lot of waste, ranging from feces, food scraps, and feathers, it is important to keep the cage and surfaces clean at least once a week.
- Clean the cage when the bird is enjoying time outside.
- Remove everything from the cage, including toys and food and drink bowls.
- Make a paste of baking soda and water or mix borax and 1 cup baking soda. This mixture can rub against the surface of the cage, including the branches and trellis of the cage.
- Wipe the bottom of the cage with a mixture of cup borax, cup white vinegar, and 8 liters of hot water.
- Wash the food and water bowls with dish soap in the hottest water possible.
- Trim any loose ends or splinter from branches and toys.
- Clean all areas around the cage such as curtains or carpet. You can wipe it or use a vacuum cleaner.
- Replace the base of the cage with a new material.
Step 4. Watch for symptoms of the disease
Cage care allows you to detect possible disease in birds early. If you notice any signs of illness in your bird, take it to the vet as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of bird disease that can be found when cleaning a cage include:
- The food is not eaten
- Vomiting, including undigested or partially digested food at odd locations in the cage.
- Discolored, undigested, or watery stools.
- Coarse or loose hair at the bottom of the cage.
- Blood in a cage.
- Lack of urine or an odd color.
Tips
- It's a good idea to have all equipment within your reach so you don't have to search around while holding the bird.
- If you spray birds, don't soak; just wet the bird a little until clean.
