Pets come with many responsibilities and owning a hamster is no different.Cleaning and maintaining the hamster's cage is one of the responsibilities.Cleaning the cage is not a favorite method of spending time with your hamster, however, it can be made simpler by preparing and cleaning thoroughly.
Step 1: Take a look at the hamster's cage.
You should look at the hamster's cage to see what it is like before you start cleaning.Even if it isn't a scheduled cleaning day, look for anything that needs to be cleaned at least once a day.Cleaning your hamster's cage too often can cause them stress, so make sure you are cleaning the right amount when needed.Droppings and wet areas can be found in the bedding material.Some areas can be spotted.You should change the bedding if there are a lot of them.Pick out any leftover food that your hamster may have left.The water should be changed daily.You may want to change the bedding out if it has become soaked or damp.It may be time for a full cleaning of the enclosure if the walls are looking dirty or smudged.You must clean the cage completely if it smells bad.If the cage is not clean or the air quality is poor, hamsters can become ill.
Step 2: Pick out your cleaning supplies.
It's a good idea to put everything together before you start cleaning.This will make the process easier for you and your hamster.Get started with wash cloth or baby wipes.This will be used for cleaning the cage.Disinfectant.It is possible to use mild, antibacterial hand or dish soap.Chemicals like bleach can harm a hamster.Pet stores often carry approved cleaning solutions.You should put new bedding in the cage after you've cleaned it.They don't get stressed if they keep a third of the bedding.
Step 3: You need to remove your hamster.
If your hamster is in the cage, you won't be able to clean it.While you work, place your hamster in a secondary cage, exercise ball, or other safe enclosure.Remove the hamster from the cage.Your hamster will be fully supported in your hands.If you leave your hamster in the exercise ball for more than half an hour, they will need fresh air and a break from the activity.It's a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling a hamster.It's possible to use regular hand soap for this.
Step 4: All objects should be taken out of the cage.
You will need to take out any objects in the cage after you have removed your hamster and placed them in a secure environment.It will be more difficult to clean the cage if you leave anything in it.Food and water bowls should be removed.Get rid of any exercise equipment.
Step 5: The old bedding should be thrown away.
The bedding is the last thing you need to remove from the cage.A strong ammonia scent can cause respiratory problems for your hamster, if it leaves its waste in the bedding.To reduce the stress of the hamster, make sure to mix in some new bedding.You might want to put the old bedding in a waste bag to keep it out of the air.
Step 6: There were objects in the cage.
You will want to clean every toy, exercise station, food and water bowl that is in your hamster's cage, even if it doesn't appear dirty.To make sure your hamster's house is as fresh as it can be, clean them thoroughly.If you want to kill cage items, spray or soak them.You can use a washcloth to clean the cage items.Make sure to get all corners.
Step 7: The cage needs to be cleaned.
Keeping your hamster's home clean and tidy is the main focus of the regular maintenance.Make sure you thoroughly clean all the surfaces.The same general cleaning tips apply to all types of hamster cages.To clean the cage, use a solution and cloth.There may be bedding stuck to the cage wall.These may need to be removed with force.Problem areas of the cage can be soaked to break them up.Make sure to clean the bars if you have a wire or mesh cage.You will need to clean each surface and corner of some cages.
Step 8: It's a good idea to dry the cage.
The cage needs to be dry before you can put it back together.Adding new bedding before the cage is dry can cause it to become wet and need to be cleaned faster than normal.If you want to hurry the process, you can towel dry the cage.Leaving the cage in the sun will help it dry quicker.UV light rays can help to kill bugs in the cage.
Step 9: Put everything back together.
You can reassemble your hamster's cage after it has been cleaned and disinfected.As you place items in the cage, make sure they are fully cleaned.Fresh bedding should be placed in the cage first.On top of the bedding, put any exercise equipment back in the cage.Put fresh food and water back in the cage when you add it to your hamster's bowls.Allow your hamster to be in the cage for a while, and then interact with it again.It's best to give it a few hours to get used to the cage.
Step 10: The next cleaning can be scheduled.
Keeping up with the cleaning of your hamster's cage will help keep him happy and healthy.The next cleaning should be scheduled one week after you clean the cage.Cleaning your hamster's cage is important.The cage needs to be cleaned at least once a week.It is a good idea to mark down the cleaning schedule on a calendar.
Step 11: Keep up with the daily chores.
You need to clean your hamster's cage once a week.This doesn't mean that you should only clean once a week.There are a few things you can do daily to keep the cage as clean as possible.Droppings should be removed.Remove, clean and refill your hamster's water container.If your hamster didn't eat any fresh food, take it out.If needed, add more bedding.
Step 12: You should understand the risks of a dirty cage.
Maintaining your hamsters health involves keeping their home clean.Hamsters need a clean home to stay healthy.If you don't clean your hamster's cage, it could be responsible for some illnesses.Stress can cause wet-tail, an illness that can be caused by dirty cages.There is a serious disease that can kill your hamster.If your hamster has a weak nose, it may be showing signs of illness.