Avain
Hygiene
Considerations
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Good hygiene is an important part of husbandry for caged birds
because most are confined to a relatively small living space.
Consequently, droppings often accumulate on cage parts and perches,
and tend to contaminate food and water cups, resulting in bacterial
proliferation and mold growth.
Perches should be kept scrupulously clean at all times. Soap and
water, cleansers and sand paper may be used to clean them, if
necessary. Cage-bottom coverings should be changed daily. Cages
should be given a thorough scrubbing and cleaning at least once a
month. Sanitizing products work best if the cage and perches are
first given a thorough soap and water scrubbing to remove all of the
major contamination. Diluted chlorine bleach can be used if
thoroughly rinsed off afterwards.
Food and water containers should be thoroughly cleaned once or
twice daily before they are refilled. Bottle brushes work best for
cleaning water tubes and bottles. Water tubes and water bottles with
a ball valve at the drinking end (water bottles for rodents) are
increasing in popularity. They greatly reduce the possibility of
contamination of the drinking water with droppings, uneaten food and
saliva, all of which contribute to massive bacterial proliferation
within the water and its container. The corners of food and water
containers are the most common areas for bacterial buildup.
Therefore, concentrate on those trouble spots while cleaning these
containers.
Several sets of food and water cups should be maintained and used
interchangeably. One set not in use can be soaking in a disinfectant
solution. When possible, use a dishwasher for the final cleaning of
these food and water containers because their extremely hot
temperatures aid disinfection.
Rigid standards of hygiene must be maintained at all times.
Disease-causing bacteria grow freely in most water containers. Small
numbers of these bacteria from food, saliva, or droppings can quickly
multiply into millions of organisms in a water container, yet the
water appears normal to you. Allow the water tap to run for about 3
minutes before filling the water container. Bottled water dispensers
should be allowed to run for about 5 seconds before filling the
drinking container. These bacteria do not affect most people but can
have devastating consequences for caged birds if allowed to multiply.
CLICK HERE for more Bird Articles
CLICK HERE for some Vet notes on avian diseases
CLICK HERE to see Kids Spot Fun
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