Step by Step Cleaning for Small Critter Cages

Cleaning small animal cages is simple and a needed tasked. It takes usually fifteen to twenty minutes to do such a task right for a simple bedding change. It takes a little more time though if you do a complete wash down of the cage.

To start cleaning, start out by moving the small animal or animals to a temporary cage or carrier that they can't get out of. Add a small amount of the original bedding or shavings from the cage to help adjust the critter to the smell or lack of smell of the clean cage. Put any small toys or treats with them. This gives them something to do while you're dealing with the old bedding.

When your little critter is comfortable then start removing some of the larger items from the cage. If you're doing a total cleaning then the items that can be cleaned should be placed in a container that you've prepared before hand with some warm water and very mild dish soap such as Dawn. The items that can't be cleaned and can be thrown away should be thrown away. No point in using a filthy tube or cardboard home in a clean cage. But the small wood toys or houses and things like that should be set aside to be placed back into the cage. It will help your critters adjust to the clean cage.

Now, have a trash bag or trash can ready as you empty the bedding from the tank/cage. Before replacing the old bedding if you're doing a complete clean wipe the inside down by using the same solution you're soaking the toys in. Let the solution soak into some of the harder to clean spots so it's easier to clean. Wipe out the cage again and then rinse with plain water. Do this at least twice so you have all the soap residue out. Dry the cage well then add the new bedding that is good for your pet. There are many out there that are good to use but there are some out there that can cause problems with your critter in the future. We've found that the CareFRESH pet bedding is a good bedding to use.

As you reassemble your critter cage remember that the toys you had soaking need to be rinsed very well. Rinse them two to three times and dry them well. The soap that you used won't hurt your pet but it will give them a sever case of diarrhea. Don't think you want that so it's better to be safe than sorry.

Add the bedding then the various toys or houses. Make sure the bedding for smaller critters like mice, hamsters and the such is an inch to two inches. Larger critters need two or more inches. Place the toys and houses in different areas to allow your pets to look around and explore. This will cause them to be less bored and its fun to watch them poke around.

Add your little friends back into the cage with the old bedding and let them be for a while to adjust. Watch from afar as they explore and make the cage their own. You'll really enjoy the smell of a clean tank or cage and they'll enjoy exploring the new set up!.