Hydrogen peroxide has its fair share of uses. But did you know that people are using it for birds and animals too? Using hydrogen peroxide to clean equipment is one thing, but we’re seeing people use the chemical to sterilize fountains and even bathe their pets!
The incredible properties of this chemical make it an all-rounder. You can use it to keep your pets safe from pathogens and also clean any part of their bodies that catches nasty stains or odors.
But the question of the hour that every bird lover asks is whether hydrogen peroxide is safe for birds or not. So, read on as we go through this in complete detail!
Hydrogen Peroxide and Birds — Is it Safe?
When it comes to birdhouses and cages, it’s of extreme importance that these areas are kept clean and free from any germs.
This will ensure a safe and clean space for your birds to reside in. One of the most effective cleaning options is hydrogen peroxide. However, the big question of whether this cleaning ingredient is safe for birds is still an unanswered one.
But not anymore. Hydrogen peroxide is considered to be generally safe for birds. When dissolved in bath water, hydrogen peroxide has no effect, even when a bird encounters it. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide applied on the cage or within the cage is a safe cleaning option.
Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Birds
The use of hydrogen peroxide to clean bird cages is not a new one. Hydrogen peroxide is actually known to be one of the safest and most effective bird cage cleaning solutions. They don’t ruin the color of the cage, nor do they direct any harm toward the birds.
According to the health line, 3% of hydrogen peroxide is safe to use on whatever surface you wish to use it on.
#1 Using Hydrogen Peroxide for Birds Fountain
Only a small amount of hydrogen peroxide is required to clean a fountain. This quantity can also be affected by the size of the fountain. Besides, the brush you use should be strong and sturdy enough to clean the fountain without breaking or bending.
The bristles should have the perfect thin and thick proportion so that each and every corner is cleaned nicely. Cleaning the fountain is something we don’t really focus on. However, it directly impacts the bird’s health, and hence, you should clean it more often.
What You Need
- Water
- Hydrogen peroxide
- A cleaning brush
How to Use
- To get things started, make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water. Take one part of water and one part of hydrogen peroxide. Mix them together to create a mixture.
- Soak the fountain with hydrogen peroxide and make sure it gets to every part of the fountain.
- Grab the cleaning brush and start scrubbing the fountain until satisfied.
- Now clean the fountain with clear water to finish the process.
#2 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Disinfect Bird Wounds
When your bird sustains an injury, the first form of action should be to disinfect the wound effectively immediately. And when it comes to disinfecting, one of the most efficacious first aid is the use of hydrogen peroxide.
What You Need
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Bird feed
- Water
How to Use
- Wait for the bird to come out of the state of shock. Do not treat the wounds while it is still in shock as this increases the chances of it losing consciousness.
- Once the bird has eaten something like applesauce or baby food, start treating the wound.
- The 1% solution of hydrogen peroxide can be applied directly, while the 3% should be mixed with water.
- Apply the ointment with a clean cotton swab or any other material that doesn’t stick to the bird’s body.
#3 Using Hydrogen Peroxide to Clean Bird Feeders
Hydrogen peroxide is already known to be a great surface cleaner. Hence, naturally, it’s a great bird feeder cleaner too. Bird feeders need a cleaner that is hard on the germs and debris, but not so potent that it damages the material or harms the bird.
Peroxide provies the perfect solution here as its properties make it ideal for the job.
What You Need
- A cleaning brush
- Hot tap water
- Bottle scrub brush
- Hydrogen peroxide, 1% or 3%
How to Use
- Grab the hot tap water and mix it with hydrogen peroxide.
- Make sure to clean off any remaining bird fodder from the bird feeder.
- Once the bird feeder has no sign of the fodder, pour in the mixture.
- Next, take the bottle scrub brush and scrub strongly until satisfied.
Can I Put Hydrogen Peroxide in My Bird Bath?
Hydrogen peroxide is an easily accessible and available chemical, present in almost each and every home. The chemical is good for cleaning surfaces within your home. But when it comes to cleaning surfaces outside your house, like the bird bath, is it really applicable? Without any side effects?
The answer is yes. You can definitely use 1% or 3% of hydrogen peroxide to clean your bird bath. Hydrogen peroxide will not only clean the birdbath, but it will also be helpful in cleaning the birds.
Talk about killing one bird with two stones. When the bird comes into contact with hydrogen peroxide, it will remove all sorts of parasites and even ticks that are present on the bird.
Alternatives to Hydrogen Peroxide for Birds
Hydrogen peroxide is not the only remedy for various bird-related problems.
Other alternatives include;
- Hot water: Simple hot water is an amazing alternative to the chemical that is hydrogen peroxide. Scalding hot water immediately kills germs and is helpful in the removal of algae which is present on the inside of the birdbaths.
- Disinfectant soap: This has almost the same properties as hydrogen peroxide. However, it’s not as strong as the former chemical. This disinfectant soap needs to be free of any toxic formula.
- Vinegar solution: Vinegar is considered to be an effective cleaning option in many households. And rightly so. Its powerful antibacterial properties make it a useful cleaning option. However, it is better to use it with some water as the mixture reacts more quickly.
- Isopropyl alcohol: A major component of rubbing alcohol, this liquid is mostly used alongside hydrogen peroxide. However, it can be used independently too. This alcohol is great for cleaning and tending to cuts and scrapes, but shouldn’t be used near the bird’s eyes.
- Lemon juice: Easily accessible and available in almost every household, lemon juice is a danger-free solution to bird cleaning problems, either when it comes to the bird itself or a birdbath.
Why Hydrogen Peroxide Works Well With Birds
Hydrogen peroxide is made up of simple water with a punch of extra atom energy. Therefore, it results in H2O2 rather than the common H2O. The pump of extra oxygen has the properties of a highly reactive chemical. And this chemical is highly reactive and quick in oxidizing other materials or components around it.
Concentrated hydrogen peroxide is extremely dangerous and can cause corrosive damage, and other problems. However, the simple 1% or 3% quantity is danger free for the most part.
Therefore, it works perfectly well with birds. Hydrogen peroxide has properties that work perfectly well with furry animals, and birds being one of them, react nicely to the application of hydrogen peroxide.
Safety Precautions to Follow
The usage of hydrogen peroxide can be divided into various categories. First of all, taking a look at its storage, certain precautions need to be taken, which include;
- It should be stored away from areas of ignition.
- Hydrogen peroxide and heat do not go hand in hand. Therefore, it should be kept in areas that are not prone to heat.
- Make sure the container in which this chemical is being stored is not gaining moisture over time.
- When it comes to the right storage of this chemical, keep it in a tightly shut space. Where no air, moisture, or heat can reach the chemical.
Certain precautions also need to be taken during the application of hydrogen peroxide:
- Don’t apply this chemical in areas where you wouldn’t normally apply a disinfectant soap or any soap for that matter. And these areas include the eyes, mouth, and even near the nasal area.
- Make sure that it is applied only to treat those problems that it can actually treat. For instance, it is not a smart move to heal open wounds with hydrogen peroxide. While any cuts, scrapes or even the disinfection process can be done with the help of this chemical.
The Bottom Line
Hydrogen peroxide is a fantastic, multi-purpose chemical that comes in handy during housework. However, the key to using it is making sure that you follow the proper guidelines and avoid any damage.
The same goes for using hydrogen peroxide on birds. It can serve multiple uses, but, you need to make sure that the concentration and mode of application are on point. Any discrepancy can result in detrimental effects.
So, order your set now and use the chemical to get amazing results!
