Taking care of animals certainly demands a great responsibility; the same is true when you raise a hamster. One of the responsibilities that need to be shown is the cleanliness and care of the hamster on a regular basis. While it may not be a particularly fun way to spend time with a pet hamster, cleaning the cage can be done easily with proper preparation and thorough effort.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Preparing Before Cleaning the Cage
Step 1. Check the state of the cage
Before starting to clean, you need to pay attention to the condition of the cage first. Look for items or parts of the cage that need to be cleaned at least once a day, even on weekdays (not just on a cage cleaning schedule). Cleaning the cage too often or too infrequently can be stressful for your hamster. So make sure cleaning is done as necessary (especially when the cage really needs to be cleaned).
- Look for dirt or bedding that looks wet. You can throw away the soiled or wet cage mats. However, if too much of the bedding gets dirty or wet, it's a good idea to replace the entire cage.
- Remove any leftover food around the cage that your hamster doesn't use.
- Change the drinking water every day. If the bottom of the cage around the water area seems damp or wet, you will need to replace the bottom of the cage.
- If the walls of the cage look dirty or have stains, it may be time for a thorough cleaning of the cage.
- If the cage smells bad, you will need to clean it thoroughly. Hamsters have a very strong sense of smell and can get sick if the cage is dirty or the air quality in the cage is too bad.
Step 2. Gather the necessary cleaning supplies
Before starting to clean the cage, it's a good idea to collect the various things you need. This will make cleaning easier and less stressful for you and your hamster. Before starting, collect the following items:
- Wipe cloth. You will use it to scrub and clean the cage and equipment.
- Disinfectant products. You can use antibacterial hand soap or a mild dish soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals such as bleach, as these can harm your hamster's health. Pet stores often sell safe and tested cleaning solutions.
- New cage mats to place in the cage after cleaning is complete.
Step 3. Remove the hamster from the cage
You won't be able to clean the cage properly if your hamster is still in the cage. Place your hamster in a spare cage, exercise ball/toy, or other safe place while you clean the cage.
- Handle the hamster carefully and gently when you remove it from the cage.
- Grab the hamster with both hands (in a position of both palms as if to take or hold water) so that the whole body is completely restrained.
- Do not leave your hamster alone in his toy ball for more than half an hour as hamsters need some fresh air and a break from their activities.
- Wash your hands before and after handling your hamster to protect you and your hamster from spreading germs and disease. You can use regular hand soap when washing your hands.
Step 4. Remove all items from the cage
Once you've moved your hamster to another safe place, remove any items in the cage. If the cage equipment remains in place, cleaning will be more difficult and less effective.
- Remove all food and water bowls or containers.
- Also remove any toys or sports equipment that is in the cage.
Step 5. Throw away the old cage mat
The last thing that needs to be removed from the cage is the bottom of the cage. Your hamster dumps its feces on the bedding, which creates a strong ammonia smell and can cause breathing problems for the hamster. Make sure you remove all old bedding for more effective cleaning.
You can put the old bedding in a garbage bag and tie the bag so that the smell of the bedding doesn't spread
Part 2 of 2: Cleaning the Cage
Step 1. Clean all items in the cage
Even if they don't look dirty, you'll still need to clean toys, exercise equipment, food and water bowls, and other items that are in the cage. Clean it thoroughly to make sure your hamster's cage comes back clean and fresh.
- Spray or soak these items in a cleaning solution to get rid of any germs that stick to them.
- Use a cloth rag to clean things thoroughly. Make sure you also clean the corners or parts that are quite difficult to reach.
Step 2. Clean the hamster cage
Cleaning the cage is the main focus in regular maintenance to keep your hamster's home clean and hygienic. Make sure you clean each surface thoroughly. Even if they differ in shape or construction, the cleaning tips to follow are the same and apply to all types of hamster cages.
- Use a cleaning solution and a cloth to scrub the cage clean.
- There may be a cage base that is attached too firmly to the cage wall. The base of the cage can be lifted by scraping or rubbing vigorously.
- Soak the cage (especially the areas with stubborn dirt) to break up the dirt so it can be removed easily.
- If the cage you are using is made of wire or wire mesh, make sure you clean each of the bars of the cage.
- Some people use the aquarium as a hamster cage. If you are using an aquarium, you will need to thoroughly clean every surface and corner of the tank.
Step 3. Dry the cage and all accessories
Before putting the equipment back in the cage, you will need to dry the cage first. If the bedding is put in before the cage is completely dry, it will become soggy that you will need to return to cleaning the cage earlier than your scheduled cleaning schedule.
- To speed up the drying process, you can dry the cage and equipment using a towel.
- So that the cage dries quickly, try to dry the cage in a place exposed to sunlight. In addition, ultraviolet light from exposure to sunlight also helps eradicate germs attached to the cage.
Step 4. Put the equipment back in the cage
Once the cage and equipment have been sprayed or wiped with a disinfectant product, cleaned, and thoroughly dried, you can get back to setting up the cage. When reinserting equipment into the cage, double check the condition of the cage to make sure the cage (and equipment) is completely clean.
- Put in the new, clean bedding first.
- Put toys and sports equipment back into the cage, on the base of the cage that was previously inserted.
- Pour fresh food and water into a food and water bowl or container, then return the containers to the cage.
- Place your hamster back in the cage and allow him to adjust and relax before you can interact with him again. Try giving him a few hours to get used to his cage again before you try to interact with him.
Step 5. Schedule the next cleaning
Keeping cleaning regularly makes the next cleaning process easier to do. Plus, your hamster will stay happy and healthy. After you've done the cleaning, mark the date on the calendar and schedule the next cleaning right next week.
- It is important that you carry out regular cleaning of the cage.
- Clean the cage thoroughly at least once a week.
- Keep a reminder of the cage cleaning schedule by marking the date on the calendar.
Step 6. Keep doing daily cleaning
Once a week, you need to thoroughly clean the cage. However, this does not mean that you only need to clean the cage once a week. There are several things that need to be done every day to keep the cage clean before a more thorough cleaning is carried out.
- Remove visible dirt.
- Empty, wash, and refill your hamster's water container.
- Throw away any leftover food (even if it looks fresh) that the hamster didn't eat.
- Add more bedding if necessary.
Step 7. Understand the risks that arise from dirty cage conditions
Cleaning the cage is an important aspect of keeping your hamster healthy. Hamsters are sensitive creatures that need a clean living environment to maintain their health. If you are lazy to clean the cage, of course you are the one who should be responsible if your hamster is sick. Take care of his health and prevent the following diseases that are triggered by dirty cage conditions:
- Pododermatitis. This disease attacks the feet and causes the appearance of red bumps. Pododermatitis is caused by prolonged exposure to urine and feces.
- Wet tail. This disease is caused by stress triggered by dirty cage conditions. This disease is a serious disease that can kill hamsters.
- Your hamster may also show signs of illness if it has a runny nose, appears weak, or has diarrhea.
Warning
- Do not use harsh cleaning chemicals such as bleach. These products can cause serious respiratory problems in hamsters.
- If toys or items in the cage can't be cleaned, such as moldy wooden toys, it's a good idea to throw them away.
- Do not leave the hamster in the toy ball for more than 30 minutes.
