Winter Bird Room Chores

Winter time is a great time to think about cleaning. In the northern half of the United States, with most people cooped inside due to cold weather, people soon begin to experience what has been called "cabin fever." Although most people would say that the cure for "cabin fever" is going outside, bird owners might want to think about expending that energy in the bird room.

During the winter months our homes are closed tightly against the cold. While this keeps us warm, it also keeps in dust, feather dander, and other allergens that our birds may produce. It takes a thorough cleaning, including opening the home to get rid of such materials. But, a good cleaning can also take care of such items.

The first thing to keep in mind when cleaning indoors is that the fumes from household cleaners have no place to go. Whether cleaning in the bird room or across the house, cleaning fumes can get into the heating system and be transported throughout the entire building. This is very important to keep in mind.

Personally, I like to use natural cleansers whenever possible, and cleaning the bird room is no exception. I find a good mixture of vinegar and water makes a wonderful cleanser, the equal of any pine cleanser, and I can feel confidant in using it that it will not harm any of my feathered children.

In cleaning the bird room, start with the cages. Scrub each perch, wire, and tray, then replace the paper. Next, the walls get scrubbed down, all with the same vinegar and water mixture. If the bird cages sit on shelves, then they, too, get scrubbed, and finally the floor is mopped. I may wash the curtains and windows as well.

There are other things the bird owner can do during the winter months to ensure a healthy environment. The furnace filter needs to be changed at least once a month. A multi-bird household, or one with individuals who are sensitive to dust or feather dander may require one of the special anti-allergy filters that are on the market. Changing the cage paper regularly also helps to cut down on the build up of bird waste.

Wintertime is also a great time to plan additions or changes to the bird room, as well as build aviaries or cages. I'm sure all bird owners have the "little" projects that are put off during the busier spring and summer months. I know I do, and winter is a great time to tackle them.

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