Holly Frisby, DVM, MS
Veterinary Services Department, Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reptiles require special care to maintain cleanliness. Routine cage maintenance is necessary to keep it a safe and healthy home for your herp, and an enjoyable, odor-free, and attractive showplace for your enjoyment as well.
Because reptiles are susceptible to skin and bacterial infections, cages and housing must be kept scrupulously clean. And because their fecal matter may carry bacteria, like Salmonella, that can cause disease in humans, your reptile's cage, furnishings, and the cleaning equipment itself need to be regularly cleaned and periodically disinfected.
Start With Clean Cage Accessories
Make sure any natural items, such as rocks and branches, that you introduce into the environment are sterile. Rocks should be cleaned, then boiled in water for 30 minutes. Sand can be rinsed with large amounts of water to remove any particulate debris, then heated in the oven at 200-250°F for 30 minutes. Branches should also be cleaned, then heated in the oven at 200-250°F for 30 minutes.
Selecting the proper disinfectant for cages must be done carefully. The disinfectant must be strong enough to kill disease-causing viruses, bacteria, and fungi, yet not cause harm to the herp. Reptiles are sensitive to toxic fumes, so care must be taken to move them to another room while using most disinfectants.
Although there are many disinfectants on the market, the most readily available disinfectant for cleaning a cage is household bleach. Other disinfectants safe for herps may be available from your veterinarian. After washing the cage and accessories, use bleach at a dilution of approximately 1 part bleach to 16 parts water (1 cup bleach to 1 gallon of water), and apply to the cage and accessories. Allow the disinfectant to have contact with the material for 5-10 minutes. Rinse the items thoroughly with clean water, especially any wooden items. For your safety and comfort, use the bleach solution in an area that is adequately ventilated. Rubber gloves and safety goggles are also recommended.
It is important to remove food, feces, soaps, etc., before using any disinfectant since the presence of organic material will prevent it from working properly. So clean any soiled areas with a hot solution of dishwashing liquid, rinse well, then apply the disinfectant.
Apply the disinfectant liberally to the cage and accessories. Allow the disinfectant to have contact with the material for 10 minutes; if an item is porous, a longer time may be needed. Rinse the items, especially any wooden items, thoroughly with clean water to remove all the disinfectant. For your safety and comfort, use the bleach solution in an area that is adequately ventilated. Rubber gloves and safety goggles are also recommended.
