Cleaning Old Cage

Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:36 pm

My rat just died about 2 weeks ago from an upper respiratory infection, and it is time again to get a couple of new rats. So my question is, how do I clean the cage, (its wire) so that there is no trace of the bacteria to get the new ratties sick too? What solutions whould kill the bacteria off and make the cage safe for them? It is even possible? TIA.
Lisa

Sat Feb 14, 2004 9:52 pm

Maybe just use bleach and rinse the cage ALOT, I am not for sure, just a suggestion. The fumes might be strong, or all the bleach mioght not come off. If anyone thinks this is a BAD idea make sure you say something, dont want anyone getting hurt!!!

Sorry to hear about your rat! Good luck on the search for new ratties!!! AFter you have found them, post TONS of pics!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE pics!!

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Kalie, Rizzo, Talulah and Sierra

Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:17 pm

Thanks for the kind words. It is always hard to lose a pet. I wish that they could live forever.

Do you think I should buy a new water bottle? It probably is covered in germs, too.

I was also thinking of using bleach, just like you were, but watered down a ton. How about first a washing oif just soap and water, then an enzyme solution to kill the smell and enzymes, and then the bleach, clorox, etc. wash? I think that that may work, and kill at least most of the germs.

I also have some antibiotics here from my little Sumi that I gave to her when she was gasping for breath *sniffle*, so maybe I could put a tiny bit in their water if I happen to notice any symptoms of an infection.

Thanks for responding. Any other advice is appreciated. Lisa

Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:25 pm

I always use vinegar to clean my cage. Just wash the cage real well with soap and water, spray on some vinegar using a spray bottle, and then rinse well. It has always worked well for me.
I too am very sorry to hear about your loss. Best of luck to you on your new rattie search

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~~Mallory~~
*~Paz~Mia~Nina~Medellia~Penelope~*
Angel rat

~Eleanor~ ~Sally~Maggie~

Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:25 pm

If your cage is uncoated wire, I wouldn't use bleach -- it may corrode it. Dish soap, very hot water, scrub well. Let the cage dry in the sun outside for a long afternoon. Germs won't be hanging around a metal cage for a long while, so soap and hot water and exteme scrubbing should do the job.

This goes for all the accessories as well. You don't have to throw them out. You could even boil the water bottle and other accessories that could withstand such treatment. Or run them all through a dishwasher, which will kill any germs for good.

Also, I would ditch the antibiotics, especially the kind that are to be given in water. Treating rats with water-borne meds usually doesn't work well, and you don't want to go dosing new rats who may just have the new-environment sniffles, as they so often do for a few days upon coming to a new home.

I'm sorry you lost your rattie. Hug

With a clean environment to begin, and getting new rats from a reputable place, and a good vet ready for if you need one, your new kids should do well.

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Kate & the M.O.U.S.
If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event ... what kind of film would you use?
~ Anonymous

Sat Feb 14, 2004 10:30 pm

YEah, the vinegar and water is good. We use that at work for washing floors to get rid of germs, never thought of that. It may smell bad, but it works, just make sure it airs out outside like Kate says. But yes wash with soap and water then vinegar and water! Or baking soda and water, cause it scrubs off stuff. But also like Kate said it can rub off the coating on coated cages! Good luck!

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Kalie, Rizzo, Talulah and Sierra

Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:04 am

Thank you all so much for your replies! They are all great ideas, I like the vinegar idea-- no bleaching of my clothes!! Kate, can you tell me more about the new-environment sniffles that you are talking about so I know what the symptoms are if I happen to see a new rat sniffle some when I get them? Is it just a sniffle that goes away after a few days of adjusting to its new home? Thanks. Lisa

Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:14 am

Sometimes when a rat comes into a new home they will have a bit of funny breathing (I can only describe it as a kind of gurgly noise) and they will sometimes sneeze a lot, and maybe have a bit of red mucusy stuff (called pophyrin) around their eyes. If it goes away within a week or two then its nothing to worry about. If not though, you should take them to a vet.
I also am very sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully a couple of new additions will help you heal. Oh, and post lots of pics! wink

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~Sara and the ratties: Remi, Sulin, Chiad, Kaya, Min and Stitch~

Sun Feb 15, 2004 4:20 am

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind.

Lisa

Sun Feb 15, 2004 12:07 pm

What Aesear said.

It can sound like the beginnings of a respiratory infection: many sneezes, a bit of porphyrin (the red gunk round the eyes and nose), even signs of itching/scratching in extreme nervous cases. If you see these signs, give it 3 - 5 days to a week or so, maybe even a day or two longer before ... freaking out.

They're getting used to several things: new litter, new smells (tons of 'em!), new environment, perhaps even new food and "different" water ... it's all a stressor, and if the URI-type signs don't diminish in 10 days or less (or worsen!), take them all to a good exotics vet who will likely prescribe Baytril for no less than 14 days for all (approx 0.25 twice a day by mouth, no in-water dosing), and viola! You will have happy, healthy rodent kids in nearly no time.

Providing you can get a good flavor of Baytril and/or find something to mix it in that they like.

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Kate & the M.O.U.S.
If you saw a man drowning and you could either save him or photograph the event ... what kind of film would you use?
~ Anonymous

Sun Feb 15, 2004 9:19 pm

I was just thinking, there is something that isn't toxic and a good antibacterial, it's grapefruit seed extract. It's also antifungal. You might wanna give that a try. You can buy it online or in health food stores.

But I really don't think that most bugs would live outside a host for a long time anyway.

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Sab

"I feel like I know her, but sometimes my arms bend back"

Tue Feb 17, 2004 12:44 am

I would say hot water and a good scrub would be the best idea, especailly if you are worried about corrosion. My ratties got ill when I used dish soap, even though it was really watered down and rinsed very well. vinagar is a good idea though, I use it to get rid of bad urine smells. By the way, what did your rat die from? just wonderd why your so worried about germs...