Our Feathered Friends spend much of their time standing, walking, and climbing on perches. Since bird perches are almost always made of wood, they can harbour bacteria that a surface cleaning will not eliminate.

This is especially true when using natural perches with the bark intact, although these are superior to dowel perches in every other way. .

Having researched this topic on several websites and avian forums there appear to be many tips on cleaning perches, toys and rope, ranging from hot water with washing up liquid, Bleach, Grapefruit Seed Extract, to putting items in the dishwasher.

We use the F10 range readily available from Northern Parrots which is available in wipes, ready to use sprays and concentrated form.

F10 Super Concentrate Disinfectant

Totally safe for all pets and people. Used and recommended by vets worldwide.

F10 Super Concentrate is by far the safest, most effective disinfectant we`ve ever come across - and it`s highly economical as well.

Specialist avian veterinarians, breeders and owners around the world trust F10, here`s why you should too.

* F10 is extremely effective against avian diseases such as Avian Flu, PBFD and Psittacosis, and destroys bacteria, viruses, fungi and spores. Contact times are shorter making application easier.

*F10 is non-toxic and biodegradable and will not corrode metals or irritate the eyes or even abraded skin. In fact the latest EU ecological hazard tests assigned it a "zero hazard" rating.

* Use F10 for just about everything - disinfecting floors, cages, perches and toys; food preparation areas (including as a food rinse); inside the incubator, washing eggs and decontaminating hands.

* F10 can be applied as a fog or fine spray to mist rooms to eradicate airborne microbes such as fungal spores and viruses or when ill birds shed infected material to prevent cross contamination.

Be sure to read the instructions.