GUIDES & EDUCATION

How to Clean Bird Toys: 7 Safe Methods (2026 Guide)

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A collection of colorful wooden and rope bird toys being dried after a deep cleaning. how to clean bird toys

Every time your parrot chomps down on that favorite rope toy or destroys another wooden block, microscopic particles of food, saliva, and yes—droppings—accumulate in the fibers and crevices. What most bird owners overlook is that uncleaned toys become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella within just 48-72 hours of contamination. I’ve … Read more

How to Clean Bird Feeder: 7 Must-Have Tools (2026 Guide)

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A person wearing gloves scrubbing a wooden bird feeder with a brush in a backyard setting. how to clean bird feeder

Last winter, I watched a Pine Siskin sit motionlessly at my feeder, eyes closed and feathers puffed out. It didn’t fly away when I approached. That heartbreaking moment taught me something every bird lover needs to know: dirty feeders can be deadly. According to Cornell Wildlife Health Lab research, salmonellosis outbreaks at bird feeders have … Read more