How to clean out a hamster cage

Here is a step by step guide to cleaning out your hamster’s cage....First you must remove your furry friend. Place him somewhere that is closed in so he can still run around but can’t disappear!

1. Fill a sink with hot soapy water, making sure you aren’t using a harsh cleaning soap, but something mild and preferably unscented.
2. Empty the cage of all bedding. It can be put straight in the bin, although gloves should ideally be worn.
3. Remove all the accessories from the cage such as the water bottle and play equipment and leave to soak in the hot soapy water. A toothbrush or something similar should be used as a scrubber and everything should be thoroughly scrubbed clean.
4. Clean the cage by placing it in the water and scrubbing clean. Take care to ensure it is fully rinsed of all soap.
5. Once the base of the cage is dry, sprinkle some baking powder on the base which absorbs unpleasant smells.
6. Use fresh materials to replace the bedding. Lay enough so the hamster can burrow and make a warm nest.
7. Tear up some kitchen towel or toilet paper and place in one corner so your hamster has a little mattress to sleep on!
8. Refill supplies like water and food and put everything back together including the accessories.
9. If the wheel is squeaking at all, use a little olive oil on the axels and hinges to make the problem go away.
10. Find your hamster and pop him back in!

This should be done fairly frequently so your hamster is always living in nice clean conditions. It shouldn’t take too long and it is satisfying to see the gleaming cage at the end of the process. Your hamster will certainly thank you for it!

Are there any other tips to cleaning out a hamster cage? Send in your comments below.

Looking after a hamster or gerbil

Housing

Your hamster needs a fairly big and roomy cage. In fact, there is no such thing as a cage that is ‘too big’ for a hamster as they love to just explore and run around. Ideally, a cage that is multi-level is perfect as this adds interest to their environment and gives them more places to hide, explore and play. The cage should be made of wire with a plastic tray bottom as wooden cages can be chewed through!

It is vital that your hamster or gerbil is kept indoors, away from draughts or direct sunlight. Their cage also shouldn’t be placed next to something that gives off continuous noise like a television or washing machine due to their sensitive hearing. Try and purchase your new pet’s cage before bringing him home, as this means you can put him straight in keeping the stress levels for him to a minimum.

The cage should be cleaned out thoroughly every week, and soiled bedding removed every day. Hamsters can catch diseases and illnesses from a dirty cage. In the summer months cleaning is especially important to avoid attracting flies. In the wet winter months, sometimes the bedding can go mouldy so particular attention to this should be paid here too.

Exercise

Hamsters and gerbils love exercising, and need at least 3-4 hours a day. If you have a wheel, make sure it is big enough that their back is not bent when they are inside it. It should also have a solid floor as rungs can cause damage to feet and tails. They also love climbing so hanging some thin rope is ideal for them to use and gnaw on. You can even make an exercise yard for your pet by putting some bedding into a cardboard box and adding some tubes to run through and twigs to gnaw on and hide under.

Food

In the wild, foraging and munching on food takes up the majority of a hamster’s time, so rather than giving the food all at once each day, make it fun for them by hiding it around the cage. This will occupy them and prevent them getting bored.

Does anyone else have tips for occupying a hamster! Send in your comments below.