How should I clean my hamster's cage?

Question

Ok so I got a new dwarf hamster and his cage is pretty dirty...Does anyone know how often I should clean his cage?

Also, should I use soap? I was afraid it might get the hamsters sick.

Answer 1

I found this advise on the internet, its better then using soapy water or bleach water. We personally use hot soapy water with a small amount of bleach, especially if transferring another small animal into it. This below is a great way and saves time also. Just the advise we need to clean 20 cages quickly.

"Once all this has been established your cage will and should be changed at least once a week,heres a simple but effective way to do just that.

Step 1, Remove the hamster or hamsters in the cage into a safe place like a spare cage or travel cage or a hamster ball so they will be out of any harms way while you deal with their housing..

Step 2, Remove any chew toys like sticks, food dishes, food bottles, habitats inside the cage such as hamster cuddle spots or pods, or activity type toys and clean them off as well,check for splinters as they do love to chew these things.

Step 3, Use a Vacuum cleaner with a good suction and turn it on suck all the debris and used bedding into the bag.

Step 4 Remove any tubes or excessive wheels and using a Clorox brand or Lysol brand cloth disposable wipe, wipe all tubes, plastic parts, wheels, dishes outside of cage inside of cage this will kill almost any bacteria and wont hurt your pets since it drys faster than most harsh cleaners

Step 5 Refill the cage with fresh fluff, food/water toys and cuddle pods can also be cleaned off and put back into the cage Dont use any cleaners on the inside of the water bottle just rinse them with clean warm/hot water

Step 6 Return the hamster to the cage, he/she will sniff about and still note their smell but its fresh and clean than with out changing was

Step 7 Toss the vacuum bag in the trash

You are done takes about 10 minutes when done in order and your hands can be covered in playtex style rubber gloves if desired and you dont have to touch thr dirty stinky stuff with your hands.

I hope this helps someone who is afraid to have this type of pet because with this method its very simple to follow and a child can do it also."

Answer 2

i have a dwarf hamster and i need to clean it every week.

1. take everything a part if it is one of those S.A.M cages or crittertrails.
Take put all the old smelly bedding
2. Rinse everything out in lukewarm water
* i dont reccomend soap because i have heard some chemicals in soap that can kill a hamster.
3. i suggest using vinegar!!! i removes odor and it's natural and safe for hamsters!!!
4. Rinse evrything out again with warm water
5. dry everything out with paper towels, cloths, etc
6. assemble back everything-if needed-
7. put in clean bedding and everything else

Answer 3

1. Take your hamster out.
2. Dump all the nasty smelly stuff out.
3. Scrub or Soak the cage in HOT SOAPY WATER!
4. Dry the cage.
5. Put more stuff in it
6. Put your hamster back in.
7. Repeat in at LEAST a week.

Answer 4

No never use soap!my hamster is very dirty too!just use a cloth and soak it in pure water and clean it it is the best solution.just go near the cage if it stinks,you would have to change it.bye

Answer 5

His bedding should be cleaned once a week along with all toys. If you use soap use something that is very mild and make sure you rinse it very well. Also before you put any bedding into the cage make sure that it is dry so that you don't cause a problem with the bedding abosrbing too much moisture.

Answer 6

I would say at least once a week.
Also make sure you get everything out of the stuff in his habitrail That stuff can mold quick. I just think would I like to be in that cage . good luck with youre new pet
p.s. I have heard that you should not feed small animals cabbage because it can give them to much gas and make them really uncomfortable. But I'm not sure if it is true

Answer 7

Clean their cage every week I read. And use dawn soap, it is gentle and won't bother them. Clean it soon because the hamster might get sick and die. Good luck.

Answer 8

dont use soap if you want to rinse it out just use water and dry it change the cage about once a week. dont use cedar or pine use carefresh pet bedding this is better for your hampster and is biodegradable ( it looks like recycled paper pulp kind of)

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pets_hamstercare

http://www.hamsterdance.com/funcare.html

http://www.hamsterhideout.com/allabthams.html

http://www.hamsterland.com/