Can You Reuse Hamster Cages?
If your hamster gets lost or passes away and you wish to replace it with a new one, we have good news for you. You can make use of your old hamster cage to house your hamster.
So, can you reuse hamster cages? Yes, you can reuse your hamster cage to shelter instead of purchasing a new one. To reuse the old cage, clean and rinse the cage to remove any scent. Sanitize and disinfect the cage to kill germs and any virus that would attack the new hamster.
To learn more about hamster cages, read this article as we give more information on how to clean and reuse old hamster cages. The article also highlights more on several types of hamster cages.
Can You Reuse Hamster Cages?
You are probably wondering, can I reuse a hamster cage? Yes, you can reuse the old hamster cage. However, cleaning the cage before bringing in your new hamster would be best.
Cleaning eliminates the chances of disease attacks and gives a conducive environment for the hamster. Be extra cautious if your former hamster died of infections.
Hamster cages are made with durable material and can be reused before being rendered unfit. For the wooden and metallic cages, heat them in an oven to kill the bacteria and viruses. Plastic and ceramic cages should be sprayed with chemical disinfectants and left to dry.
If your hamster died of a contagious disease or health issues, you might require thorough cleaning followed by disinfection measures. Otherwise, introducing your new hamster to the same cage will infect it, causing death.
How To Clean Old Hamster Cages
![How To Clean Old Hamster Cages](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/How-To-Clean-Old-Hamster-Cages.jpg)
Cleaning these hamster cages requires special attention to ensure they meet the standards for reuse. Below is a step-by-step procedure for cleaning the old cages and their contents.
Empty the cage
The first step is removing all the content from the cage, including the toys and substrate. Throw away the non-reusable objects in the waste pit. Sort out the remaining content for easier cleaning.
Prepare a water-detergent solution and wash the cage
You can use a vinegar-soap solution with warm water or disinfectants to wash the cage. If the cage is wooden, rinse it to avoid dumping the wood, which may take longer to dry.
Use a fiber cloth to rinse the cage. Brush off the sticky dirt while spraying it with water. Clean the toys and any other materials from the cage. Rinse them with running water. Once the scent is over, go to the next step and let the cage dry.
Allow the cage and its content to dry
Dry the hamster cage naturally under the sun. Turn the cage on all sides to ensure proper drying.
Once the cage is dry, spray it with disinfectants and allow it to dry for a whole day. The wooden cage will take more time to dry than the plastic and metallic cage.
Re-install the toys and add substrate
Return the toys and other accessories into the cage before mounting it back to its position. Arrange them accordingly, leaving enough space for the hamster.
Add new substrate to the bowls for feeding the hamster. The cage is now ready to shelter your new hamster.
How To Make A Simple Disinfectant For Cleaning The Cage
![How To Make A Simple Disinfectant For Cleaning The Cage](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/How-To-Make-A-Simple-Disinfectant-For-Cleaning-The-Cage.jpg)
Disinfectants should be able to kill germs and remain healthy for your hamster. Using chemical disinfectants may have negative effects on your hamster. Below is a quick way of making a homemade disinfectant.
Recipes
Warm water, vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and oil.
Procedure
- Put warm water in a basin (1 litre)
- Add about 50ml of vinegar and stir
- Let the mixture settle and add about 100ml of rubbing alcohol
- Add a few drops of your preferred oil and stir.
You can spray or smear the mixture using a cloth to kill germs.
What To Do With Old Non-Reusable Cages?
![What To Do With Old Non-Reusable Cages](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-To-Do-With-Old-Non-Reusable-Cages.jpg)
Some cages are too old and worn out to be reused. However, you can improvise them to make use of them.
Attach it to a new cage
Remove the worn-out space and attach it to the back of the new cage to add space for the hamster. The hamster can use the new cage during the night for shelter and get more playing space during the day.
Sell or donate the cage
Some of these cages might look old but useful to someone else. Before throwing it away, consider selling it or giving it away.
Can You Reuse Cage Accessories?
![Can You Reuse Cage Accessories](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Can-You-Reuse-Cage-Accessories.jpg)
Many people ask, can you use a second hand hamster cage accessory?
The cage accessories can be reused only if they are safe for the hamster. If the old hamster died of infectious disease, consider washing the accessories with disinfectants.
If the accessories are dumpy and damaged, throw them away or burn them. The material of the objects should help determine whether you can reuse them or not.
Heat the wooden and metallic accessories in an oven to kill germs and viruses. For the spongy and woolen materials, consider buying new ones.
What Is The Best Type Of Cage For A Hamster?
![What Is The Best Type Of Cage For A Hamster](https://caringtinypets.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/What-Is-The-Best-Type-Of-Cage-For-A-Hamster.jpg)
Generally, a spacious, clean cage will do for any hamster. However, we have a few selected types you can select from to shelter your hamster.
These include the Favola hamster cage, Savic hamster heaven metro cage, nite angel vista hamster cage, and the aivituvin upgraded 3-tier hamster cages. You can get these cages at one of the local dealers in the town.
You can also design your cage at home. Design it from a plastic bin or build one from wood. Ensure you give enough space and allow proper ventilation. The cage should be easy to clean.
FAQs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions that will help you get a better understanding of how can you reuse hamster cages.
1. How Often Do You Change A Hamster’s Cage?
Hamster cages require regular cleaning to help prolong their lifespan. Remove the dirt from hamster’s waste every morning and evening to provide a clean environment. Change the bedding on a weekly basis.
Have the whole cage cleaned and accessories replaced at least once every month. With such a cleaning schedule, the cage can go for even 5years without requiring change.
2. Do Hamster Cages Need Lids?
Homes with dogs or cats and small children have a lid as an added security. The hamster may be a threat to these other pets which may cause fights.
The lid will also protect your kids from being attacked by the hamster if they break loose.
3. Can You Use A Plastic Bin For A Hamster Cage?
Yes. You can modify a plastic bin for use as a hamster cage. This is an alternative, especially when the cage is expensive to buy.
Get a spacious cage, cut out the top lid, and replace it with a mesh. Ensure the mesh is well fixed to allow for proper ventilation. If the plastic bin is large enough, you can have the accessories stacked inside. However, most bins are only used to shelter the hamster overnight.
Final Words
You don’t have to stress about getting a new cage for your new hamster. Clean and disinfect the old cage and use it to shelter. Maintain cleanliness by adopting the daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning schedule to avoid losing your new hamster.
For cages that housed infected hamsters, sanitize the cage and its accessories. Use disinfectants safe to the hamster but deadly to germs and viruses, such as the vinegar-water solution.