How Often Should You Clean a Hamster Cage?
One of the most common questions new hamster owners have is, “How often should I clean my hamster’s cage?” The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the size of the cage, the number of hamsters living in the cage, and whether or not the cage has a litter box. In general, you should spot-clean it daily, and once a week give it a thorough cleaning from top to bottom. Below is a brief guide on how to clean a hamster cage and some tips on making the process as easy as possible.
Cage Size
The size of your hamster’s cage will significantly affect how often you need to clean it. Smaller cages (under 10 gallons) will need to be cleaned more often than larger cages (over 10 gallons). This is because small cages fill up with waste more quickly and can become dirty and smelly more rapidly as a result. On the other hand, larger cages can go longer between cleanings since there is more space for your hamster to spread out.
Number of Hamsters
If you have more than one hamster living in the same cage, you will need to clean it more frequently than if you only have one hamster. This is because multiple hamsters produce more waste than a single hamster, and their feces can start to build up more quickly. If you have numerous hamsters, aim to clean their cage at least twice a week.
Litter Box
If your hamster’s cage has a litter box, you will need to clean it less often than if it does not have a litter box. This is because litter boxes help contain your hamster’s waste and prevent it from spreading throughout the cage. If your cage has a litter box, you should aim to clean it once every week or two weeks.
Cleaning Your Hamster’s Cage
When cleaning your hamster’s cage, it is essential to use safe cleaning products that will not harm your hamster. Avoid using cleaners containing harsh chemicals or bleach, as these can harm your hamster if inhaled. Instead, opt for gentle cleansers that are specifically designed for small animals. Also, remove any food or water dishes from the cage before beginning the cleaning process. These can usually be cleaned in the sink with hot soapy water.
Once you’ve removed all the items from the cage, empty all the bedding into a trash bag. Then, using hot soapy water, thoroughly scrub down all cage surfaces—including any bars, platforms, or other objects inside. Rinse off all soap residues and allow the cage to dry completely before adding any new bedding or putting any objects back inside.
How Often Do Hamsters Poop
The average healthy adult hamster poop anywhere from 3 to 8 times per day. However, some hamsters may poop as often as ten times per day, while others may only String together a few poops every few days. If your hamster is pooping less than three times per day or more than ten times per day, it’s worth taking them to see a vet to be on the safe side.
What Causes Frequent Pooping in Hamsters?
Several reasons your hamster may be pooping more frequently than usual. If your hamster is ordinarily healthy and suddenly starts pooping more than usual, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing stress. Common causes of stress in hamsters include loud noises, changes in their environment, and the presence of other animals (including other hamsters). If you think your hamster may be stressed, try to make its environment as calm and relaxing as possible.
When Is Frequent Pooping a Cause for Concern?
As we mentioned before, it’s normal for healthy adult hamsters to poop 3 to 8 times per day. However, if your hamster is pooping more than ten times per day, it could be a sign of diarrhea or another health problem. Diarrhea can be caused by several things, including stress, a change in diet, or intestinal parasites. If you think your hamster has diarrhea, take them to a vet as soon as possible to get the treatment they need.
How to Clean Hamster Poop
Step 1: Put on Some Gloves
The first step in cleaning up your hamster’s poop is to put on some gloves. This will protect your hands from bacteria and other nasty things lurking in your hamster’s cage. Once your gloves are on, it’s time to get down to business.
Step 2: Remove the Poop from the Cage
Use a small scoop or piece of paper to remove the poop from the cage. Be careful not to touch anything else in the cage with the scoop or paper—you don’t want to spread bacteria around. Once you’ve removed all the poop, it’s time to start cleaning.
Step 3: Clean the Cage
Use a mild soap and water solution to clean the cage. You might need a brush to get into all the nooks and crannies. When you’re finished cleaning, rinse the cage thoroughly with water. You don’t want any soap residue left behind, which could irritate your hamster’s skin.
Step 4: Disinfect the Cage
Once you’ve cleaned and rinsed the cage, it’s time to disinfect it. You can use a household disinfectant or a commercial product for pet cages. If you use a household disinfectant, ensure it is safe for use around animals. When disinfecting the cage, be sure to pay special attention to areas where there is food or water—these are prime breeding grounds for bacteria.
Step 5: Let the Cage Dry Completely
After disinfecting the cage, set it aside in a well-ventilated area so it can dry completely. Once dry, you can add fresh bedding and put your hamster back in his home sweet home. And that’s it! With just a few simple steps, keep your hamster’s cage clean and tidy—and prevent yourself from dealing with stinky hamster poop again.
How Often Should You Change the Bedding in a Hamster Cage
The bedding you use will significantly affect how often it needs to be changed. For instance, if you’re using paper-based bedding, you’ll need to change it more frequently than wooden shavings. This is because paper-based beddings should be changed every other day, whereas wooden shavings can be changed once a week.
If you have more than one hamster living in the same cage, you’ll also need to change the bedding more frequently. This is because multiple hamsters produce more waste than just one. As a general rule of thumb, you should change the bedding once a day if you have two hamsters and every other day if you have three or more.
Clean Hamster Cage Every 2 Weeks
What Materials Do You Need?
Before cleaning, gather all the materials you need: fresh bedding, paper towels, a small brush or toothbrush, water, mild soap or disinfectant (if required), and gloves (optional). Once you have everything ready, you can start cleaning!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Remove all of the bedding from the cage. Be sure to put it in a plastic bag so it can be disposed of later. If any food or water is left in the cage, remove it. All that should be left in the cage are your hamster’s toys and accessories.
2. Using paper towels and a small brush, wipe down all of the surfaces of the cage, including the sides, bottom, bars, and lid. If there are any stubborn dirt or stains, you can use a mild soap or disinfectant on a paper towel to spot-clean them. Just be sure to rinse off any soap residue afterward.
3. Give your hamster’s toys and accessories a good cleaning. You can soak them in soap and water (if they are made of safe materials) or wipe them down with disinfectant wipes/spray before putting them back in the cage.
4. Now, it’s time to add fresh bedding to the cage. Choose a high-quality product like Carefresh complete pet beds so your hamster will be comfortable and happy.
5. Fill up your hamster’s water bottle with fresh water and add it back into the cage. Ensure the bottle is securely attached to the side of the cage so it cannot tip over easily.
6. Put your hamster back into its clean cage and watch it enjoy its new home!
Final Thoughts
Cleaning a hamster cage is essential to keeping your pet healthy and happy. How often you need to clean depends on the bedding you use and how many hamsters you have. Generally, you should clean the cage once every two weeks and change the bedding once a week (or more frequently if you have multiple hamsters). You can provide your furry friend with a clean and comfortable home with just a little effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you clean a hamster cage too often?
Cleaning a hamster’s cage requires effort, so you should be meticulous and consistent. If you don’t clean the cage often enough or frequently, your hamster may get stressed or unwell.
Do you have to clean a hamster cage daily?
Both for the sake of your health and the health of your hamsters, it’s essential to keep their cages clean. Additionally, it feels great on your nose! The first step in maintaining a clean cage for your pet is daily upkeep, but once every two weeks, a thorough cleaning is also necessary.
Can hamsters get sick from the dirty cage?
Cross-contamination may occur if you handle your hamsters while their cage is unclean. If any of these bacteria enter your system, they may both make you extremely ill. Therefore, always wash your hands thoroughly after touching your hamster and any of their bedding.
Do hamsters get stressed when you clean their cage?
A hamster may experience extreme anxiety while having her cage cleaned. Try to choose a temporary area where your hamster will feel comfortable or enjoy playing since you’ll want to keep her as calm as you can while cleaning the cage.
