Difference between revisions of "Clean a Guinea Pig Cage"
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| − | + | Guinea pigs are often prized as excellent pets. They typically have an agreeable personality and tend to have a relatively long lifespan compared to other small pets.<ref name="rf1">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/</ref> But like every pet, guinea pigs need a safe, clean, and healthy environment in order to thrive. | |
[[Category:Guinea Pig Accessories]] | [[Category:Guinea Pig Accessories]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
===Making Your Guinea Pig Comfortable=== | ===Making Your Guinea Pig Comfortable=== | ||
| − | #Restrain your guinea pig. Do this by gently placing one hand around its chest, keeping your thumb beneath the guinea pig's jaw. Use your other hand to support the guinea pig's hindquarters, holding it upright between your two hands.<ref>http://www.ahwla.org.uk/site/tutorials/BVA/BVA07-GPig/GPig.html</ref> | + | #Restrain your guinea pig. Do this by gently placing one hand around its chest, keeping your thumb beneath the guinea pig's jaw. Use your other hand to support the guinea pig's hindquarters, holding it upright between your two hands.<ref name="rf2">http://www.ahwla.org.uk/site/tutorials/BVA/BVA07-GPig/GPig.html</ref> |
| − | #* It's important to handle your guinea pig firmly enough that it won't fall, but not so firmly as to injure its body. Be aware that if your guinea pig is prone to nervousness or skittishness, it may try to squirm out of your hands and jump, which can lead to serious injury.<ref>http://www.spca.bc.ca/pet-care/care-behaviour/guinea-pigs/?referrer=https://www.google.com/</ref> | + | #* It's important to handle your guinea pig firmly enough that it won't fall, but not so firmly as to injure its body. Be aware that if your guinea pig is prone to nervousness or skittishness, it may try to squirm out of your hands and jump, which can lead to serious injury.<ref name="rf3">http://www.spca.bc.ca/pet-care/care-behaviour/guinea-pigs/?referrer=https://www.google.com/</ref> |
#Take your guinea pig out of its cage. Once your guinea pig is properly restrained, move it into a safe, enclosed space from which it can't escape. Make sure somebody is around watching your guinea pig, and that there are no loud noises around that may scare it. Someone can hold your guinea pig, if you want. | #Take your guinea pig out of its cage. Once your guinea pig is properly restrained, move it into a safe, enclosed space from which it can't escape. Make sure somebody is around watching your guinea pig, and that there are no loud noises around that may scare it. Someone can hold your guinea pig, if you want. | ||
| − | #Groom your guinea pig, as necessary. Long-haired guinea pigs need to be brushed daily.<ref>http://pets.petsmart.com/guides/guinea-pigs/caring-guinea-pig.shtml</ref> If you need to groom or bathe your guinea pig, it may be easiest to do so while your pet is out of its cage. | + | #Groom your guinea pig, as necessary. Long-haired guinea pigs need to be brushed daily.<ref name="rf4">http://pets.petsmart.com/guides/guinea-pigs/caring-guinea-pig.shtml</ref> If you need to groom or bathe your guinea pig, it may be easiest to do so while your pet is out of its cage. |
| − | #* Unless your guinea pig has gotten sticky or smelly, it should only need to be bathed a maximum of 2-3 times per year.<ref>http://www.rasarescue.org/guineapigcare.htm</ref> | + | #* Unless your guinea pig has gotten sticky or smelly, it should only need to be bathed a maximum of 2-3 times per year.<ref name="rf5">http://www.rasarescue.org/guineapigcare.htm</ref> |
| − | #Give your guinea pig someplace to hide. Your pet should be used to having a designated hiding place in its permanent cage. When you remove your guinea pig from its home, it may become frightened. If you can't fit its permanent hiding place into the temporary enclosed space, make a small temporary space by cutting the bottom out of a cardboard box.<ref>https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care</ref> | + | #Give your guinea pig someplace to hide. Your pet should be used to having a designated hiding place in its permanent cage. When you remove your guinea pig from its home, it may become frightened. If you can't fit its permanent hiding place into the temporary enclosed space, make a small temporary space by cutting the bottom out of a cardboard box.<ref name="rf6">https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/small-pet-care/guinea-pig-care</ref> |
===Cleaning Your Guinea Pig's Cage on a Daily Basis=== | ===Cleaning Your Guinea Pig's Cage on a Daily Basis=== | ||
#Spot-clean the cage. Remove excess food and waste and spot-clean the cage as needed with a wet paper towel. Scoop out any soiled bedding and replace it with dry, fresh bedding. | #Spot-clean the cage. Remove excess food and waste and spot-clean the cage as needed with a wet paper towel. Scoop out any soiled bedding and replace it with dry, fresh bedding. | ||
#Refill food and water. This should be done every single day. If your guinea pig spills water into the food dish, remove that food and replenish the dish with fresh, dry food. | #Refill food and water. This should be done every single day. If your guinea pig spills water into the food dish, remove that food and replenish the dish with fresh, dry food. | ||
| − | #Wash food and water dishes in hot, soapy water. Doing this every day will help prevent bacteria from growing in the food and water receptacles.<ref>http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1798&aid=3579</ref> | + | #Wash food and water dishes in hot, soapy water. Doing this every day will help prevent bacteria from growing in the food and water receptacles.<ref name="rf7">http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1798&aid=3579</ref> |
===Conducting Weekly Cleanings=== | ===Conducting Weekly Cleanings=== | ||
#Plan to conduct thorough cage cleanings about once every week. Though daily maintenance and spot-cleaning are necessary, you will also need to thoroughly clean out your guinea pig's cage once every week. This will ensure that your guinea pig is healthy and happy, and its environment is odor-free. | #Plan to conduct thorough cage cleanings about once every week. Though daily maintenance and spot-cleaning are necessary, you will also need to thoroughly clean out your guinea pig's cage once every week. This will ensure that your guinea pig is healthy and happy, and its environment is odor-free. | ||
#Remove everything from your guinea pig's cage. When you're doing a thorough cage cleaning, remove all of your pet's toys, as well as its food bowl, water bottle, and hiding place. | #Remove everything from your guinea pig's cage. When you're doing a thorough cage cleaning, remove all of your pet's toys, as well as its food bowl, water bottle, and hiding place. | ||
| − | #Wash the water bottle and food bowl. A guinea pig will often get pieces of bedding and/or droppings into its food bowl, so it's important to clean food and water bowls regularly.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_feeding.html</ref> | + | #Wash the water bottle and food bowl. A guinea pig will often get pieces of bedding and/or droppings into its food bowl, so it's important to clean food and water bowls regularly.<ref name="rf8">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_feeding.html</ref> |
#* Empty out any leftover food and water. Then run some hot water and submerge the water bottle and food bowl. Leave them in the sink to dry while you clean out the cage. | #* Empty out any leftover food and water. Then run some hot water and submerge the water bottle and food bowl. Leave them in the sink to dry while you clean out the cage. | ||
#* If your pet's hiding place can be washed, it's a good idea to rinse it off as well. | #* If your pet's hiding place can be washed, it's a good idea to rinse it off as well. | ||
| − | #Take your cage to where you plan to clean it and get a large garbage bag. Carefully brush everything into the bag, removing all substrate material from the enclosure.<ref>http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/caring-animal-companions/caring-guinea-pigs/</ref> | + | #Take your cage to where you plan to clean it and get a large garbage bag. Carefully brush everything into the bag, removing all substrate material from the enclosure.<ref name="rf9">http://www.peta.org/living/companion-animals/caring-animal-companions/caring-guinea-pigs/</ref> |
#* For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Do not use the same one as your cat, dog or other pet. | #* For really big cages, it is handy to have a cat-poop scooper to scrape out the cage. Do not use the same one as your cat, dog or other pet. | ||
| − | #Spray the inside of the cage down. You can use a mild detergent, or mix three-parts warm water and one-part distilled white vinegar.<ref>http://www.awlqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Guinea-Pig-New-Owner-Care-Guide.pdf</ref> You can also use 1 part bleach to 32 parts water (1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water).<ref | + | #Spray the inside of the cage down. You can use a mild detergent, or mix three-parts warm water and one-part distilled white vinegar.<ref name="rf10">http://www.awlqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Guinea-Pig-New-Owner-Care-Guide.pdf</ref> You can also use 1 part bleach to 32 parts water (1/2 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water).<ref name="rf7" /> |
#* For deeper stains and messes, use undiluted vinegar, but make sure to clean off well afterwards! | #* For deeper stains and messes, use undiluted vinegar, but make sure to clean off well afterwards! | ||
| − | #*Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for 10 minutes so that it has time to work, killing bacteria and other harmful elements.<ref | + | #*Allow the disinfectant to sit on the surface for 10 minutes so that it has time to work, killing bacteria and other harmful elements.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Rinse the cage out. After allowing the disinfectant to sit, thoroughly rinse off every surface of the cage with hot water. Make sure there is no residue from the disinfectant on any surface.<ref | + | #Rinse the cage out. After allowing the disinfectant to sit, thoroughly rinse off every surface of the cage with hot water. Make sure there is no residue from the disinfectant on any surface.<ref name="rf7" /> |
| − | #Dry the cage with paper towels. If you have the time, you can let it air dry. It's important to be sure your guinea pig's cage is completely dry before laying down the newspaper and bedding, as dampness can quickly cause a mold problem that can lead to illness for your pet.<ref>http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_housing.html?credit=web_id139895298</ref> | + | #Dry the cage with paper towels. If you have the time, you can let it air dry. It's important to be sure your guinea pig's cage is completely dry before laying down the newspaper and bedding, as dampness can quickly cause a mold problem that can lead to illness for your pet.<ref name="rf11">http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/tips/guinea_pig_housing.html?credit=web_id139895298</ref> |
===Setting Up Your Pet's Home=== | ===Setting Up Your Pet's Home=== | ||
#Line the cage with fresh and clean new newspaper, then fill with bedding. You should make the bedding about 1-3 inches deep, or 2.5-7.6 centimeters. | #Line the cage with fresh and clean new newspaper, then fill with bedding. You should make the bedding about 1-3 inches deep, or 2.5-7.6 centimeters. | ||
| − | #* You should '''never use cedar or pine shavings'''. Though these wood chips are often sold for use in cages, they actually contain chemicals which can be harmful to your guinea pig.<ref | + | #* You should '''never use cedar or pine shavings'''. Though these wood chips are often sold for use in cages, they actually contain chemicals which can be harmful to your guinea pig.<ref name="rf11" /> |
| − | #* Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. But damp hay can harbor fungal growth, and dry, dusty hay could cause respiratory problems.<ref>http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/guinea-pig-care/diet/the-importance-of-hay/</ref> | + | #* Generally speaking, hay makes a good bedding choice. But damp hay can harbor fungal growth, and dry, dusty hay could cause respiratory problems.<ref name="rf12">http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/guinea-pig-care/diet/the-importance-of-hay/</ref> |
#Be sure the cage is completely dry before you put down newspaper and bedding. Putting down new bedding and newspaper on a damp surface can quickly lead to mold and fungus growth in the cage. | #Be sure the cage is completely dry before you put down newspaper and bedding. Putting down new bedding and newspaper on a damp surface can quickly lead to mold and fungus growth in the cage. | ||
#Put the cage back together (if you took it apart) and put the toys and things back in their places. Hide your pet's favorite treats in paper towel rolls or hang them up by a piece of string. (But make sure your piggy can reach it!) | #Put the cage back together (if you took it apart) and put the toys and things back in their places. Hide your pet's favorite treats in paper towel rolls or hang them up by a piece of string. (But make sure your piggy can reach it!) | ||
| − | #Control the environment. Remember that guinea pigs need a constant temperature, and your pet's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold.<ref>http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/2010/01/cold-weather-advice/</ref> It's best to keep the room temperature from dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius) or getting above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius).<ref | + | #Control the environment. Remember that guinea pigs need a constant temperature, and your pet's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold.<ref name="rf13">http://www.guineapigwelfare.org.uk/2010/01/cold-weather-advice/</ref> It's best to keep the room temperature from dropping below 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21.1 degrees Celsius) or getting above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32.2 degrees Celsius).<ref name="rf9" /> |
== Tips == | == Tips == | ||
| − | *Give your guinea pig something to chew on in its cage. Untreated wood is best, as plastic can be swallowed and cause harm to your pet.<ref>http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/environment</ref> | + | *Give your guinea pig something to chew on in its cage. Untreated wood is best, as plastic can be swallowed and cause harm to your pet.<ref name="rf14">http://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/rodents/guineapigs/environment</ref> |
*Use either a sponge or a small, fresh rag and a diluted solution of distilled white vinegar to wipe/spray down your piggies home. Don't use Windex or any other cleaning spray as it can be harmful to your cavy. | *Use either a sponge or a small, fresh rag and a diluted solution of distilled white vinegar to wipe/spray down your piggies home. Don't use Windex or any other cleaning spray as it can be harmful to your cavy. | ||
*To help you clean your cage, put a layer of newspaper underneath the bedding. That way you can roll it up when its time to refresh the cage. | *To help you clean your cage, put a layer of newspaper underneath the bedding. That way you can roll it up when its time to refresh the cage. | ||
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*Do not use wood chips or sawdust as they cause serious harm to your pet. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. | *Do not use wood chips or sawdust as they cause serious harm to your pet. Cedar bedding can cause many health problems, as can pine. Kiln-dried pine is suitable for bedding if nothing else is available. | ||
*Always have someone supervising your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get into a lot of trouble. | *Always have someone supervising your guinea pigs. Guinea pigs are naturally curious and can get into a lot of trouble. | ||
| − | *Guinea pigs need a constant temperature. Your guinea pig's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold.<ref | + | *Guinea pigs need a constant temperature. Your guinea pig's cage should not be exposed to direct sources of heat or cold.<ref name="rf13" /> |
== Related Articles == | == Related Articles == | ||
