How to Disinfect Nesting Boxes

Nesting boxes are a necessary piece of equipment for any bird owner who plans on raising chicks. A nesting box is mounted in the bird's cage and offers the female a safe, secure place to lay her eggs and raise her clutch. Nesting boxes can be made out of wood, metal or plastic and should be disinfected between clutches to prevent any communicable diseases from being passed between birds.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White vinegar
• Hand broom and dustpan
• Spray bottle
• Hose
• Antibacterial dish soap
• Stiff brush
• Rubber gloves
• Face mask

1. Wear protective clothing while cleaning your nest boxes. Long sleeves and pants will help keep any nesting materials from coming in contact with your skin, while rubber gloves will keep your hands clean. A face mask can be worn if you are concerned about breathing in any particles that might carry disease.

2. Clean any old nesting material from your boxes. If your boxes are removable, detach them and dump out any old nests. If the boxes are permanently attached, scoop as much of the bedding out as possible and use your hand broom to sweep out the rest.

3. Wash your nest boxes with plenty of soap and water. Wet the boxes and apply a generous amount of soap, scrubbing the entire surface of the box with your brush. Rinse thoroughly, taking care to remove any trace of soap from your boxes.

4. Mix a solution of one part vinegar to two parts water in your spray bottle. Spray the inside and outside of your boxes with it. The vinegar kills off pests and bacteria without the harmful side effects of bleach. Allow the boxes to air dry and apply a second coating of vinegar for best results.

5. Refill your nest boxes with clean nesting material. Small species of birds, such as cockatiels and budgies, enjoy soft bedding such as shredded wood or corn cobs. Larger birds such as parrots do best when bedded on larger materials, such as straw or shredded newspaper.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you do not disturb any nesting mothers while cleaning. Birds will hatch clutches at different times, so while some of your nest boxes may be empty, other females may be raising young.
• Do not use any toxic substances to clean your boxes. Many cleaning products will leave residue that can kill chicks and even adult birds, so choose your products carefully.

References

• Nest Box Cleaning Guide
• Nest Boxes