Cleaning Cage

[pabryant1303]

It always seems so traumatizing for my birds when I clean their cage. Whenever I do a full clean I have to catch them and remove them from the cage. What is the best way to do this without completely freaking them out? Any tips?

[christie99]

That is what I do as well for a full cleaning. Good luck figuring out a better way!

[DVBourassa]

If you're skilled at catching them it is probably less traumatizing than cleaning with them in the cage. Also, catching them gives you the chance to get a closer look at them to check overall health and toe nail length, etc.

[Snazy]

I have had a little red factor canary for 8 months and have struggled with the cage cleaning issue as well. I think cage cleaning was as stressful for me as little Cicero. My vet told me to move his cage into a room that I could turn off the light (my laundry room) and that would make catching him easy because he wouldn't be able to see me in the dark. Well, that worked for a couple of cleanings but then he got wise to the routine and he started stressing out when I pick up the the cage to the move it to the laundry room. My solution and it works reasonably well, is to put his small cage filled with lots of good treat against the opening of the large cage and let my little guy move himself. Once the cage is clean, I repeat the process and he eagerly jumps back into his larger home.

[DVBourassa]

Originally Posted by Snazy

My solution and it works reasonably well, is to put his small cage filled with lots of good treat against the opening of the large cage and let my little guy move himself. Once the cage is clean, I repeat the process and he eagerly jumps back into his larger home.

That's a great method.

[poohbear]

Build a cage on the European design with a divider...Birds up one end...you at the other cleaning...simple.American all wire cages are useless..they're designed for humans not birds.

[Peanutbutter]

poobear, thats really cool. Do you have a link where we can see more cages like that? (like a store or something)

[poohbear]

Here's one outfit in the UK...

Arlane Aviculture

Most finch breeders in the UK use box cages...Much better for successful breeding,the birds have a lot more security than in an all wire cage.
Unfortunately wire fronts are unobtainable in the States which is a shame as over here many breeders make their own cages to whatever size they need.

These are some imported steel cages I used to use...sourced in China,but once again not to be found in the States.



On other forums I always advise making cages with a central divider.The stress birds are put under when cleaning cages is totally unnecessary.Thorough cleaning can only be done when the birds are seperated from the area being worked on.Plus the advantage when checking nests...or seperating a sick individual.Cages without dividers may be ok for tame hookbills but not finches.

[The Little Truth Teller]

Originally Posted by pabryant1303

It always seems so traumatizing for my birds when I clean their cage. Whenever I do a full clean I have to catch them and remove them from the cage. What is the best way to do this without completely freaking them out? Any tips?

I only just purchased a canary, but what I have done is to squeeze the wire tabs in on the bottom where they connect to the tray portion of the cage. This allows me remove the entire bottom of the cage from the upper wire part. I just leave the cage sitting on the counter whilst I clean, and whence I am finished, I slip the bottom portion back under the wire portion and squeeze it back into place. I will not say that this method is totally stress free for either one of us, but it is not too bad. I would rather do this than have to try to handle the canary. I think Snazy's method sounds quite logical, thoughtful, and less stressful than most, though.

[sailorkelly]

You could always buy a little cage and bribe them in there with a treat. You use bread ties to attach the cages together an put them in the other cage while you clean it.

I have never done this before, but I thought it might work.