Preparing for new addition

[Enh98]

We will be adding a second hamster to the family in a few weeks, when pups are old enough to leave mama. I have a new cage and a Carolina Storm Wheel Express on the way. My question is, is it okay to reuse a piece of driftwood that was in our previous hamsters cage? It's the perfect size and shape for the new cage. Moo, our precious ham, died of old age. Is there a way to sterilize the wood if that is recommended? I'm trying to keep costs down and reuse as much as we safely can. Thanks!

[Cinnamon Bear]

Is it too big to boil, you could try that? Baking might be risky safety wise, you could use vinegar and water and soak for awhile in hot water, maybe repeat that process a couple times?

[cypher]

If he died of old age & it hasn't been exposed to anything that might harm a new ham it's probably fine, I've reused things like coconuts & wooden toys just airing them for a while between hams without any problem, you could always try putting it in the freezer for a week if only to put your mind at rest!

[Cinnamon Bear]

I forgot to mention Cypher to get the scent from the previous hammie off? What do you think?

[cypher]

As I said just air them for a while, never seemed to bother mine.

[Cinnamon Bear]

Well if your new hammie seems stressed by the scent (if one remains?) You could always scrub it down afterwards but generally if there is any scent remaining the new hammie can get stressed. I'd scrub it down with vinegar & hot water real good if it were me. Had this issue with using wheel on new hamster. Plus, it may be that your hammie died of natural causes but if there is any question in your mind that he could have been sick I'd just throw it out & not take any chances.

[Enh98]

Thank you! I'll look into boiling it to sterilize. They really aren't that pricey, I can try to
Find a new piece to work in the cage if needed.