Monthly Avian Insights with Dr Sam Hurley (August 26 Edition)

Good Cleaning is the Foundation of Good Biosecurity

Whether you keep parrots in your home, canaries in an aviary, pigeons, backyard chickens or ducks, good hygiene is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your birds from disease.

When people think about biosecurity, they often think about disinfectants. While disinfectants are an important tool, they are only one part of the picture.

The biggest mistake bird owners make is reaching for a disinfectant before they've cleaned the enclosure.

The golden rule is simple:

Clean first. Then disinfect.

If droppings, food waste, feathers, dust or other organic material are left behind, disinfectants cannot do their job properly. Organic matter protects bacteria, viruses and parasites, reducing the effectiveness of even the best disinfectants.

Your bird's environment doesn't need to be sterile, but it should be clean, dry and easy to maintain. Good cleaning reduces disease pressure and helps keep your birds healthier.

Definition

Cleaner

Cleaner

A cleaner removes dirt, grease, droppings, dust and other organic matter from surfaces. Cleaning is the first and most important step because sanitisers and disinfectants cannot work properly on dirty surfaces.

Their job: Designed to remove dirt, grease, droppings, dust and organic matter from surfaces.

  • Dishwashing liquid
  • pH-neutral detergents
  • Animal housing detergents
  • Simple Green

Sanitiser

Sanitiser

A sanitiser reduces the number of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms on a surface, helping maintain good routine hygiene. It is ideal for regular cleaning but is not intended to replace a disinfectant during disease outbreaks.

Their job: Designed to reduce the number of bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms on a surface for routine hygiene.

Cleaner + Sanitiser

Cleaner + Sanitiser

A cleaner and sanitiser combines both functions in one product. It removes dirt and organic matter while also reducing microbial contamination, making it ideal for routine cleaning and hygiene. For disease outbreaks or high-risk situations, a dedicated disinfectant may still be recommended after cleaning.

Their job: Designed to both remove dirt and organic matter while also reducing microbial contamination in a single step.

  • Green Lightning
  • Farm-San
  • Bio-Zyme Cleaner
  • Bio-Zyme Multipurpose
  • Poultry Safeguard
  • Vetafarm Avicare Aviary & Cage Cleaner

Disinfectants

Disinfectant

A disinfectant is designed to kill or inactivate disease-causing microorganisms on a clean surface. It is commonly used during disease outbreaks, after quarantine, before introducing new birds, or whenever a higher level of biosecurity is required

Their job: Designed to kill or inactivate disease-causing microorganisms on a clean surface. Used when a higher level of biosecurity is required.

Other

White Vinegar

Useful for removing hard water stains and mineral deposits, but not an effective sanitiser or disinfectant. Don't rely on it for disease control.

Baking Soda

Great for deodorising and gentle scrubbing, but doesn't kill disease-causing microorganisms.

Steam

Steam can disinfect hard, non-porous surfaces, but only where the heat reaches. Always clean away dirt and droppings first.

Sunlight

Sunlight can help reduce some microorganisms over time, but it's not a reliable disinfectant. Think of it as a bonus, not a replacement for cleaning.

UV Light

UV-C can disinfect clean surfaces, but it only works where the light directly reaches. Shadows and dirt greatly reduce its effectiveness.

Essential Oils

Natural doesn't mean effective. Essential oils are not reliable disinfectants, and some may be harmful to birds.

Remember

No product works well on a dirty surface. Always remove droppings, dirt and organic matter before using a sanitiser or disinfectant.

The Four Steps to a Cleaner Bird Environment

The Four Steps to a Cleaner Bird EnvironmentThese same steps apply whether you're cleaning a small indoor cage, a large outdoor aviary or a backyard chicken coop.

Step 1. Remove Birds and Loose Debris

Move your birds to a safe temporary enclosure if needed.

Remove:

  • Feeders and drinkers.
  • Perches and removable accessories.
  • Nesting material.
  • Cage liners or bedding.
  • Droppings, feathers, spoiled food and other debris.

Scrape away any built-up droppings before introducing water. Cleaning becomes much easier once loose material has been removed.

If you're cleaning a timber aviary or chicken coop, avoid using high-pressure water as it can force contamination deeper into the wood.

bucket of soapy water for cleaning a coop

Step 2. Clean

Cleaning is the most important step in the biosecurity process. Dirt, droppings, feathers and other organic matter can protect disease-causing microorganisms, making sanitisers and disinfectants much less effective.

Start by removing as much loose debris as possible. Then use either a cleaner or a cleaner and sanitiser combination product to wash the surface thoroughly. Pay particular attention to corners, cracks, perches, feeders and other areas where organic material can build up.

Once the surface is visibly clean, rinse if required according to the product label and allow it to drain or dry before moving on to sanitising or disinfecting if needed. Remember, even the best disinfectant won't work properly on a dirty surface.

Step 3. Disinfect

Once everything is visibly clean, disinfection can further reduce bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Disinfection is especially worthwhile:

  • after a thorough deep clean
  • before introducing new birds
  • after quarantine
  • following illness
  • during disease outbreaks
  • when recommended by your veterinarian.

Remember, disinfectants are only effective on clean surfaces.

F10 SC Veterinary Disinfectant should always be used according to the label, ensuring the surface remains wet for the required contact time.

Step 4. Dry Before Returning Birds

Allow cages, aviaries, coops, perches and accessories to dry completely before your birds return.

Then:

  • Replace bedding or cage liners.
  • Reinstall clean perches and accessories.
  • Refill clean feeders and drinkers.
  • Return your birds once everything is dry and well ventilated.

Dry environments are much less favourable for bacteria, mould and other harmful microorganisms.

Timber Aviaries and Coops Need Extra Care

Many outdoor aviaries and chicken coops in New Zealand are made from untreated timber.

Unlike smooth plastic or metal, timber is porous and contains cracks and joins where droppings, moisture and microorganisms can accumulate. This makes it much harder to clean and disinfect effectively.

To make timber housing easier to maintain:

  • Keep it dry.
  • Repair leaks quickly.
  • Replace rotten timber.
  • Seal sound timber where appropriate.
  • Use removable trays, nest liners and droppings boards.
  • Design enclosures so every corner can be reached for cleaning.

Sometimes replacing damaged timber is more effective than repeatedly trying to disinfect it.

How Often Should You Clean?

Cleaning frequency depends on the number of birds, the type of enclosure and the weather.

As a general guide:

Daily

  • Remove obvious droppings.
  • Replace spoiled food.
  • Refresh drinking water.
  • Check for damp areas.

Weekly

  • Thoroughly clean feeders and drinkers.
  • Wipe down perches.
  • Replace dirty bedding or nesting material.
  • Spot clean cages, aviaries or coops.

Monthly

Carry out a thorough clean of the entire enclosure and disinfect if appropriate.

Clean more frequently if your birds are moulting, breeding, overcrowded, or if the weather is particularly wet.

Don't Forget Outdoor Aviaries and Runs

Outdoor environments cannot be disinfected in the same way as hard surfaces.

Instead, focus on good management:

  • Keep food and water protected from wild birds.
  • Improve drainage.
  • Remove wet bedding and heavily contaminated material.
  • Rotate outdoor areas where possible.
  • Prevent muddy, damp conditions from developing.

Good management will always achieve more than trying to spray disinfectant onto soil or grass.

Final Thoughts

Biosecurity doesn't have to be complicated.

Most disease prevention starts with a clean, dry environment, good husbandry and sensible routines. Disinfectants certainly have an important role, but they work best when they're used correctly, after the dirt has already been removed.

If you remember just one thing from this guide, make it this:

Clean first. Then disinfect.

That simple principle will do more to protect your flock than any disinfectant alone.

Man holding a chicken outdoors with a grassy field and trees in the background

Dr Sam is one of New Zealand’s leading avian veterinarians, with extensive experience working across backyard poultry, commercial poultry, pigeons, parrots, waterfowl, aviary birds and avian rehabilitation. Through Avian Empire, he works closely with bird owners, breeders, wildlife rehabilitators and commercial operations around New Zealand, providing veterinary support, disease investigations, diagnostics, flock health advice and telemedicine consultations. Sam has a particular interest in preventative health, avian rehabilitation, practical flock management and helping owners better understand the common diseases and challenges affecting their birds.

Cleaning Essentials

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