Caring for a pet takes a lot of responsibilities, and having a hamster is no exception. One of these responsibilities is the regular cleaning and care of the cage. This is probably not the way you prefer to spend time with your pet, but it can become a cheaper job if you prepare properly and clean thoroughly.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Cleaning
Step 1. Examine the cage
Before starting the procedure, you need to observe it to understand what condition it is in. Check all items inside the cage every day to identify which ones need to be cleaned, even if you didn't schedule a cleaning session for that date. You don't have to wash the cage too often, but not too infrequently either, as you can stress your rodent friend, so find ways to clean when necessary.
- Check for faeces or if the substrate is wet. If necessary, you can remove the particularly dirty material, but if all the litter is in really bad condition, you will have to replace it entirely.
- Remove any scraps of food that the hamster left in the cage.
- Change the water every day; if the substrate got wet or dirty near the drinking bottle, you need to change it.
- If the cage walls are dirty or stained, it's time to do a thorough cleaning.
- If the cage smells bad, you need to clean it completely. Hamsters have a very sensitive sense of smell and can get sick if the cage is dirty or the air quality is poor.
Step 2. Gather the cleaning tools
Before starting, it is advisable to prepare all the elements that you will need; this way it will be much easier and less stressful for both you and the hamster. You will need the following materials:
- Cloth for washing. It is used to scrub the cage and clean all the elements inside.
- Disinfectant. You can take a mild antibacterial hand product or dish soap. Avoid harsh chemicals, such as bleach, as they can harm your hamster. You can also look for a safe product at the pet store.
- New substrate to be placed in the cage once cleaning is complete.
Step 3. Move the hamster
You cannot properly clean the cage if the pet stays inside. Place it in another cage, plastic hamster ball, or safe enclosure as you proceed with the cleaning.
- Handle the small rodent very carefully when you take it out of the cage.
- Collect it in the palm of your hand, to support his whole body.
- Do not leave it in the ball (the so-called jogging ball) for more than half an hour, because it needs fresh air and a break from activity.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your pet to protect both of you from spreading germs and avoid disease. You can use regular hand soap.
Step 4. Remove all objects from the cage
Once you have removed the hamster and put it in a safe place, you need to empty the cage of all elements. If you leave them inside, your work will be more complicated and less effective.
- Remove the food bowls and drinking bottle.
- Also remove exercise toys and accessories.
Step 5. Discard the old substrate
This is the last item you need to remove from the cage. The litter box is where the hamster relieves himself, so a strong odor of ammonia can remain which causes respiratory problems for your rodent friend. Make sure you remove all of the litter completely so you can clean more thoroughly.
Throw the old substrate into a bag and close it carefully to get rid of any odor
Part 2 of 2: Clean the Cage
Step 1. Wash any items in the cage
Even if they don't look dirty, you need to clean all toys, exercise stations, food bowl, water bowl, and whatever else is inside. By doing this, you allow your rodent friend to live in a cool, clean environment.
- Spray or soak each component of the cage in a disinfectant cleaning solution.
- Use a washcloth to wash them thoroughly, being careful not to neglect any corners or hard-to-reach spots.
Step 2. Clean the cage
This is the main element that you need to keep clean, so that the hamster's house is always tidy and hygienically safe. Make sure you clean every surface thoroughly. The various models of hamster cages are constructed in different ways; however, the general principles for thorough cleaning are universally valid.
- Use a pet-safe disinfectant solution and wipe the cage with a cloth.
- Some pieces of substrate may have remained stuck to the walls, in certain places in the cage. You have to scrape them and scrub the walls vigorously for a thorough cleaning.
- Soak particularly problematic areas to loosen dirt and make it easier to clean.
- If the cage is wire mesh, be sure to clean every single bar.
- Some cages are built like aquariums and require thorough cleaning of every surface and corner.
Step 3. Dry the cage and all of its elements
Before putting the various accessories back inside, you must wait for it to dry completely. If you add new substrate while it is still wet, the litter will get wet and you will need to clean the cage again earlier than expected.
- You can dry the cage and items with a cloth if you want to speed up the process.
- You can also leave it in the sun to dry it faster. The sunlight also disinfects it, thanks to the action of UV rays.
Step 4. Put all the elements back inside
When they've been thoroughly disinfected, cleaned, and you've given them plenty of time to dry thoroughly, you can put them back in their place. Check them once more when you put them back in the cage to make sure they are perfectly clean.
- First put on some new clean and fresh substrate.
- Place the toys and exercise accessories on top of the litter box.
- Add fresh new food to the bowls and water to the drinking bottle, then put everything back into the cage.
- Finally, take the hamster back to his house, but give him time to settle in and relax before interacting with him again. Give it at least a few hours before you get back to the cage.
Step 5. Schedule a new cleaning
If you can stick to regular cage cleaning, the process will be easier and your hamster will be healthier and happier thanks to a clean environment. After cleaning the cage, mark the next date on the calendar, exactly one week later.
- It is important to keep the cage constantly clean.
- Wash it completely at least once a week.
- By noting the next appointment on the calendar you can remember the commitment more easily.
Step 6. Do daily cleaning
You need to thoroughly wash your hamster's house once a week, but that doesn't mean you have to neglect regular maintenance every day. There are a few things you should do on time to keep the cage in good condition, between thorough cleaning.
- Remove any visible excrement.
- Remove, clean and refill the drinking bottle with fresh water.
- Eliminate any food debris that the hamster has not eaten.
- Add more substrate as needed.
Step 7. Know the risks of a dirty cage
It is important to keep the hamster's environment clean to ensure a healthy life. This animal is sensitive and, to stay healthy, it needs to live in an environment in perfect hygienic conditions. If you neglect the cleanliness of the cage, you can be responsible for some of his illnesses. Avoid causing any of the following conditions to your child due to an unhealthy environment:
- Pododermatitis affects the paws and causes raised red spots. It is caused by prolonged contact with feces and urine.
- "Wet tail" is a stress-induced disease that can affect hamster living in a dirty cage. It is a serious, even fatal disorder.
- A hamster that experiences runny nose, weakness or diarrhea is usually ill.
Warnings
- Do not use harsh chemicals, such as bleach, as they can cause severe breathing problems for the hamster.
- If it is not possible to thoroughly clean a toy or item inside the cage, such as a moldy wooden object, throw it away.
- Do not leave the small rodent in the jogging ball for more than half an hour at a time.
