Can I keep the rope perches?

[Angeldove]

I had a tiel that died and was wondering if I can keep the rope perches that are in the cage?

My other bird is used to them and misses them when I take them out.

Could I soap them up good and then rinse them and then soak them in white vinegar and water and then rinse them and put them in the sun to dry?

[Marrie]

Did your first bird pass from something contagious? If so, if the other bird was in the same cage, did you get it checked out by the vet?

If it was something contagious, I wouldn't use them. But if it wasn't, you should be fine to just clean and put them back in.

[Angeldove]

I have no idea. The bird was fine and then acted like it was cold, fluffing up its feathers and was quiet. Then it just died.

The other bird is fine and has been fine all along.

[Marrie]

Birds hide illnesses extremely well, they can be sick for weeks without us even noticing. I would recommend a check up for your remaining bird.

But, vinegar will not kill bacteria off that makes them sick - bleach is the only thing I know of that does that. Not sure how you could bleach them safely, especially since you can't put them in the wash.

[Angeldove]

I'm not taking the chance, so I'm throwing them away and will get new ones.

I didn't use bleach on the cage, though as I've read some bad things about it. I did however clean and scrub, then poured boiling water over each piece of the cage and toys. Then I did a vinegar wash followed with a good rinse.

[Birdmanca]

Getting new ropes is 100 per cent cure for the problem of will the ropes be safe for your remaining bird.