How to disinfect a cage?

Rmv1983 · 11-07-2011, 01:49 PM

My baby died from wet tail today, I was just wondering how to go about disinfecting her cage/ supplies. I am throwing away her tubes/hay hut/ wooden box she slept in. That leaves her plastic igloo, wodent wheel, food dishes and glass water bottle. I don't want another hamster so soon (I'm hoping to get an older hamster who is a rescue before Christmas), but just wanted to make sure I disinfect the cage the right way, or if I can even keep her water bottle?

**Hamtastic** · 11-07-2011, 01:55 PM

I'd just wash everything very thoroughly with soap (like really soak it all in with lots of suds and scrubbing) then rinse and rinse. Antibacterial or regular--there's apparently no consensus on whether there's any difference between them, based on scientific comparisons. Then dry and leave unused for a while. If you want to be more thorough, you could use a disinfectant/anticeptic type sprayand then wash it off really well with soap afterwards.

LoveMyHams · 11-07-2011, 02:02 PM

I've used bleach on my hammy stuff and rinsed well and had no problems. If you are really concerned you can leave the stuff out in the direct sunlight to dry and the sun helps breakdown any chemicals that are left over. ( I wouldn't recommend this for the water bottle though)

Rmv1983 · 11-09-2011, 10:00 AM

I have a glass water bottle I wasn't sure if this could be reused or I should Just get a new water bottle? How long do you normally leave the cage sit after disinfecting?

Demecat · 11-09-2011, 10:03 AM

At least a week, and then I'd go over with a pet disinfectant before use.

Rmv1983 · 11-09-2011, 10:40 AM

Thank you! Everything has been disinfected and is sun drying.