We were recommended by a pet shop to bleach cage in 1:10 ratio when we mentioned a 10 week old lorikeet will be arriving. Stupidly trusted their word and now the bleach has left a residue on the cage and have had mixed messages on what that residue is, whether it is still bleach or salt. We are unsure whether it is safe to use for the new addition to our household after being told by another pet shop to purchase a new cage, which is not ideal because they are expensive.
noodles123
Well-known member
- Jul 11, 2018
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- Parrots
- Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
Whose cage was it beforehand?
Do you know what happened to the bird?
Was it a known carrier of any diseases etc?
Certain virus require a higher concentration of bleach and yes, bleach can leave a residue, depending on how much you use/ how long ago you used it etc etc...I agree that there are mixed opinions...
Honestly, I would be more worried about the diseases that the cage could be carrying, but then again, if you have a full history, that could be less of a concern...
I mean, if it is the bleach alone that worries you, I am pretty sure you could wash that off....maybe I am wrong?
Again, certain viruses are tenacious and I am not sure that 1:10 would be good enough---that having been said, never bleach around your birds.
Do you know what happened to the bird?
Was it a known carrier of any diseases etc?
Certain virus require a higher concentration of bleach and yes, bleach can leave a residue, depending on how much you use/ how long ago you used it etc etc...I agree that there are mixed opinions...
Honestly, I would be more worried about the diseases that the cage could be carrying, but then again, if you have a full history, that could be less of a concern...
I mean, if it is the bleach alone that worries you, I am pretty sure you could wash that off....maybe I am wrong?
Again, certain viruses are tenacious and I am not sure that 1:10 would be good enough---that having been said, never bleach around your birds.
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Welcome!
I love your caution and care. I'm glad you're reaching out.
As a self-proclaimed Queen of Paranoia, I would say this.
If you have any doubt about the cage, I'd purchase a new (or good-condition used one from the classifieds, or Craig's List, or such). If the cage is corroded/etched/compromised, and the bird might get sick, well...the cost (in dollars and heartache) of vet bills and suffering and all of that would make a new cage cost seem small.
I don't know what happened to your cage.
Let's see what members think...
I love your caution and care. I'm glad you're reaching out.
As a self-proclaimed Queen of Paranoia, I would say this.
If you have any doubt about the cage, I'd purchase a new (or good-condition used one from the classifieds, or Craig's List, or such). If the cage is corroded/etched/compromised, and the bird might get sick, well...the cost (in dollars and heartache) of vet bills and suffering and all of that would make a new cage cost seem small.
I don't know what happened to your cage.
Let's see what members think...
- Thread Starter
- Thread starter
- #4
The cage has always been ours, it's coming close to 15 years old. The last bird that was in the cage wasn't diseased or sick but the cage fell down in an earthquake which opened the door ad allowed her to fly away in fear. The primary concern is just the bleach. The bleach was only left on for 10 minutes at the most.
noodles123
Well-known member
- Jul 11, 2018
- 8,145
- 472
- Parrots
- Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I wonder why you couldn't just wash it off really well...Attack first with a mix of non-concentrated Dawn + hot water and then rinse THE HECK out of it with water? I will let others chime in...I know many bird people who do use diluted bleach (NOT IN THE HOUSE WITH THE BIRD) and then let it sit and dry for a few days...Like you said, opinions seem to be mixed....but I feel like it could be cleaned off ---you don't want any soap residue left on there either btw...Don't take my word, as I don't bleach, but do see what responses you get.
See disclaimer at bottom.
Bleach should evaporate in 24 hours or when dry. I used to bleach stuff before putting in my seahorses aquarium, rinse and letting it dry for 24 hours, never hurt my seahorses and they are very delicate!! I would throw out anything that could have absorbed the bleach, like perches. I think the cage should be fine after Rinse and dry. Smell it to see if it still smells of bleach. THAT saying I have NEVER used bleach on bird stuff. I've justed used vinegar...
Bleach should evaporate in 24 hours or when dry. I used to bleach stuff before putting in my seahorses aquarium, rinse and letting it dry for 24 hours, never hurt my seahorses and they are very delicate!! I would throw out anything that could have absorbed the bleach, like perches. I think the cage should be fine after Rinse and dry. Smell it to see if it still smells of bleach. THAT saying I have NEVER used bleach on bird stuff. I've justed used vinegar...
noodles123
Well-known member
- Jul 11, 2018
- 8,145
- 472
- Parrots
- Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
For future reference, f10 sc is a really good veterinary-grade disinfectant that kills many of the same things as bleach-- as long as it sits for at least 10 min and you mix it correctly. If you use a range of proper dilutions (when dry) it is safe for birds--you don't HAVE TO wipe. You can also use it around them without worrying about fumes. I mix 2ml to every 17 oz water and store (up to 6 months when mixed) in a chemical-resistant spray-bottle. If you do get this and you live in the USA, ignore the crazy warning label---it is referring to the mix in concentrated form and it is a requirement of the EPA---inquiries to the company directly ensure that the product is safe to use as advertised in proper dilutions.
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LeslieA
New member
Bleach leaves an acid-based residue and can only be neutralized with a base. The only way to combat bleach residue is with a baking soda mixture.
Many products tell you not to mix and there's a scientific reason why. DO NOT USE VINEGAR OR AMMONIA ON THE RESIDUE! Most cage cleaners, I.E. F10, are acid-based. Mixing acid- or ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach releases low ph gas that burns lungs.
Obviously, bird anatomy is not like ours. For example, we have a diaphragm while birds do not. Mammalian lungs have internal aveoli while avian lungs have external air sacs.
- - - - The above is scientific information while the following is opinion. - - - -
Your best bet now is to just get a new cage rather than subjecting a bird to this.
Many products tell you not to mix and there's a scientific reason why. DO NOT USE VINEGAR OR AMMONIA ON THE RESIDUE! Most cage cleaners, I.E. F10, are acid-based. Mixing acid- or ammonia-based cleaners with chlorine bleach releases low ph gas that burns lungs.
Obviously, bird anatomy is not like ours. For example, we have a diaphragm while birds do not. Mammalian lungs have internal aveoli while avian lungs have external air sacs.
- - - - The above is scientific information while the following is opinion. - - - -
Your best bet now is to just get a new cage rather than subjecting a bird to this.
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noodles123
Well-known member
- Jul 11, 2018
- 8,145
- 472
- Parrots
- Umbrella Cockatoo- 15? years old..I think?
I didn't mean to suggest using f10 on top of bleach LOL! SORRY IF IT CAME OFF THAT WAY-- I meant that instead of using bleach to disinfect objects in the future, bird owners might consider using F10 as an alternative...I never meant to advocate mixing the 2 or doubling up on cleaners. LeslieA- I am glad you said this because I didn't mean to make it sound as though they could be used in conjunction. Also---the baking soda thing is smart.
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LeslieA
New member
Noodles123, I was just afraid she might try to remove an acid with another acid. Annually, a train carrying bleach chemicals to a local plant would crash and kill cattle. Not only did I learn this in university, experience was a harsh but great teacher!
dhraiden
Member
Good thread. I'm only allowed two tags per thread but whenever I see an informative quality one without these, I add them - it is of great benefit to people who Google various search terms and then turn these posts more easily therefore.
If you want to parse this, check out:
Decomposition rate of bleach
Basically, (and I still suggest getting a new cage too), you would need to rinse the cage really well, wipe it down, and let it dry in strong sunlight for three hours..
Leslie, what annual train crash are you referring to...?
If you want to parse this, check out:
Decomposition rate of bleach
Basically, (and I still suggest getting a new cage too), you would need to rinse the cage really well, wipe it down, and let it dry in strong sunlight for three hours..
Leslie, what annual train crash are you referring to...?
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Davesgirl93
New member
Just throught I'd share that when I use bleach on my bird's cage its outdoors, its allowed to sit for a few minutes but gets pressure washed, and allowed to air dry. I've never had a problem with residue. Perhaps it just wasnt' rinsed well enough ? I also use a scrubber pad that you can get for scrubbing fish tank glass, that's strong enough to remove tough spots, but not disturb the cage coating/paint. Works like a charm.
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