Rabbits are relatively clean animals, but their cages still need regular cleaning. Do a quick daily cleaning of the cage to remove any leftover food and bedding that has been contaminated with rabbit droppings. The cage should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every week. Rabbits will live happily in a clean and safe place.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning the Cage Every Day
Step 1. Clean the cage quickly every day
Rabbit cages should be cleaned every day so that rabbits can live in a clean and healthy environment. Bedding that is exposed to rabbit droppings and food residue makes the cage dirty. So take a few minutes each day to tidy up the cage.
Step 2. Remove the rabbit from the cage
Place the rabbit in a holding pen (a kind of closed fence that can be moved), rabbit run (playing cage), or other safe place while the cage is cleaned. Be sure to feed and water the rabbit, with some toys.
Step 3. Remove objects from the cage
Remove leftovers and uneaten food. Remove the litter, dry grass, and feathers from the cage.
Wear gloves when removing these items. Put it in a trash bag for disposal
Step 4. Leave a small corner
Rabbits mark their territory with a smell. He can be stressed if reintroduced to a cage without a familiar odor. When emptying the cage, leave a small area and leave it alone.
The next time you clean the rabbit's cage, leave a slightly different area. Be sure to clean the previously left area
Step 5. Check the rabbit's health
When emptying the cage, take this opportunity to check the rabbit's health by checking how much food and water it is consuming. Does the rabbit eat the right amount of food and drink water?
Also check the droppings left by the rabbit. Is the appearance of feces and urine normal?
Step 6. Check the condition of the cage
Check the cage for damage, holes, and other problems that could harm the rabbit.
Throw away toys that are damaged or frayed
Step 7. Clean the dirt catcher
Many cages made of wire have a receptacle underneath to catch the dirt. Remove any dirt in this container.
Step 8. Change bedding that is soiled
After cleaning the cage, replace the bedding at the bottom of the cage. Make sure the bedding is enough to cover the entire bottom of the cage.
Step 9. Put the rabbit back into the cage
Let the rabbit return to its cage. Make sure to close the cage door tightly.
Method 2 of 3: Cleaning and Disinfecting the Cages Every Week
Step 1. Prepare the equipment
If you are preparing to clean and disinfect your rabbit's cage, be sure to have the equipment ready. You must prepare the following equipment:
- Bucket
- Stiff brush
- Small brush or toothbrush for hard to reach places
- Spray vinegar
- Gentle dish soap
- Garbage bag
- Gloves
Step 2. Plan weekly cleaning and disinfection of the cage
Rabbit cages should be cleaned and disinfected at least once a week. Or, the floor of the cage will get dirty quickly. A cage that is not maintained and not disinfected can pose a health risk to rabbits.
Step 3. Remove the rabbit from the cage
Place the rabbit in a holding pen, rabbit run, or other safe place while the cage is being cleaned. Be sure to feed and water the rabbit, with some toys.
Step 4. Remove objects from the cage
Remove leftovers and uneaten food. Remove the litter, dry grass, and feathers from the cage.
Wear gloves when removing these items. Put it in a trash bag for disposal
Step 5. Leave a small corner
Rabbits mark their territory with a smell. He can be stressed if reintroduced to a cage without a familiar odor. When emptying the cage, leave a small area untouched.
The next time you clean the rabbit's cage, leave a slightly different area. Be sure to clean the previously left area
Step 6. Use a stiff bristle brush to scrub the cage
Use warm water and mild dish soap to scrub the cage.
- Use a small brush or toothbrush to reach hard-to-reach nooks and crannies in the cage.
- You can also use a pressure washer if the cage is made of steel. If the cage is permanently attached to the surface, make sure the connection is tight before activating the pressure washer. A better way is to remove the cage and place it on a rocky or concrete surface to be sprayed with a pressure washer.
- Some people use a propane fire extinguisher to clean steel cages. This tool will remove all the dirt in the cage. Be sure to use it with caution if using this method. Use oven mitts or other thick gloves, as well as protective goggles, when cleaning the cage in this way. Do not use a fire extinguisher if the cage is made of wood.
Step 7. Scrub the dirt catcher
If there is a litter box in the cage, be sure to scrub it off with a brush. Use hot water and mild dish soap.
Step 8. Do not use chemicals to disinfect the cage
Do not use lysol and other disinfectants. Chemicals like these can leave residues in the cage that are harmful to rabbits.
Step 9. Choose a white vinegar solution to disinfect
Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and is harmless to humans or animals. Make a solution consisting of 1 part white vinegar and 1 part warm water. Put it in a spray bottle. Spray the vinegar solution directly on the cage to disinfect it.
- You can also use laundry bleach. Be sure to use 1 part bleach mixed with 5 parts water. Use this mixture in a well-ventilated area. Use gloves when cleaning the cage with bleach.
- Some rabbit breeders use Vanodine, which is an iodine-based disinfectant. The antiseptic Betadine mixed with hydrogen peroxide is another option.
Step 10. Spray vinegar disinfectant on the cage
Use the disinfectant in large quantities so that the cage is completely wet. Leave it for 10 minutes.
Step 11. Rinse the cage completely
Use clean, cold water to rinse the cage so that there is no residue of the cleaning solution. If there is any wood in the cage, it is very important to clean it thoroughly, as wood is absorbent and can absorb cleaner more quickly.
While residual vinegar is harmless, residual bleach can be harmful. Rinsing off any residual bleach is a very important step
Step 12. Dry the cage in the sun
Sunlight will dry the cage faster. This is an important step if you use bleach to clean the cage. The sun's rays will break down the bleach residue left behind after rinsing.
Make sure the cage is completely dry before putting all the equipment in it and reintroducing the rabbit to the cage again
Step 13. Clean the food and water containers
Food bowls and water bottles are cleaned and sterilized at least once a week. Scrub with soap and hot water. Disinfect with vinegar spray.
Use a bottle brush to clean the water bottle. Some people also clean this bottle by putting it in the dishwasher
Step 14. Clean the bedding
If you use bedding such as towels or blankets, be sure to wash them weekly.
Step 15. Use a new bedding
When the cage is dry, you're ready to reorganize your rabbit's habitat. Install the new bedding on the floor of the cage.
Be sure to place the litter bin in an area that the rabbit is familiar with
Step 16. Put all the rabbit's equipment back into the cage
Place food bowls, water bowls or bottles, and toys in the cage.
Step 17. Re-introduce the rabbit to its cage
When the cage is ready for the rabbit to live in, put it in the cage.
Method 3 of 3: Cleaning Equipment
Step 1. Remove all dirt
Put all the droppings from the rabbit's cage into the garbage bag. Tie the trash bag tightly and throw it away.
Step 2. Sterilize all cleaning equipment
Be sure to clean and disinfect all equipment used to clean the cage, namely buckets, brushes and gloves.
Dry all this equipment
Step 3. Wash your hands with soap and warm water
Reduce the chance of spreading germs by washing your hands after cleaning the cage.
Warning
- If your rabbit is or has been sick, you should thoroughly clean and disinfect the cage.
- Do not use the bathroom or sink to clean the rabbit's cage to avoid cross-contamination.
