Open the birdcage … and clean it out!

[27 May 2010 - 18h10]

Those charming little pets you are so fond of, such as chaffinches and budgerigars, are not as harmless as you might think. In fact you need to be very careful about the bacteria they carry. To limit the spread of this, hygiene is the most effective weapon in your armoury … and when you clean out the cage or aviary, be sure to bear this in mind.

Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, ruffled feathers, being unusually quiet are all signs that should alert you to the possibility of illness. Speak to your vet – he will most certainly recommend that you pay special attention to cage hygiene.

Escherichia coli, Salmonella and even Chlamydophila psittaci… any of these bacteria, with their often outlandish names, could be to blame. And of course, any lack of hygiene is likely to encourage proliferation. Which is why, for your health and that of your pets, it’s best to clean out their living space regularly. At least once a week, empty the cage; wipe everything in it with a sponge soaked in warm water and a cleaning product; then rinse thoroughly. And don’t forget the cage accessories such as perches, swings, feeding dishes … all of which can be breeding grounds for germs. You should change the drinking water every day as it can often be soiled by waste matter.

As bacteria are transmitted by inhalation as well as by ingestion, always wear a mask and gloves when cleaning out the cage. And after touching a bird, always wash your hands with soap and water. One last point: never kiss your pet on the beak. It may be nice (for you) but it’s far from hygienic …

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