Adored by many, rabbits are considered to be the perfect pet. They are sweet and social animals by nature. However, unlike most pets, rabbits are delicate and sensitive, and cleanliness is essential for their wellbeing. You need to provide them with a safe, secure and clean environment.
Even though it is easy to train your rabbit to use the litter box, you should make it a habit to clean its cage regularly. The frequency with which you clean your rabbit’s cage depends on the cleanliness of your rabbit.
How Often Should You Clean a Rabbit Cage?
You can clean your rabbit’s cage daily or weekly; however, it’s advisable to clean rabbit cages on a daily basis because it goes a long way in keeping your rabbits healthy. It also makes it easier when it comes to deep cleaning, which may be done weekly or monthly.
Daily cleaning
This is the simplest, yet the most important way to clean your cage—focus on daily litter cleaning using the following items.
- Litter replacement
- Plastic bag for the old litter
- Dustpan to scoop the litter
When choosing a litter product, remember that different bedding types have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Here’s the best way to clean your rabbit cage each day.
- Move your rabbit out of the cage to somewhere safe.
- Remove all uneaten food, regardless if it’s fresh or soiled.
- Empty and refill the water bowl. This helps avoid bacterial infections and encourages your rabbit to hydrate.
- Clean the litter box by scooping any droppings. Basic cleaning prevents the build-up of any foul smells.
- Sweep up any dirt or hay in your rabbit cage.
- Return your rabbit to their fresh, clean cage.
Weekly cleaning
Weekly cleaning is the easiest and best way to thoroughly clean your rabbit’s cage.
Gather and keep your cleaning supplies ready. You will use more cleaning supplies than you normally use during daily cleaning. Here are some of the supplies which may come in handy.
- Sponge
- Disinfectant or a mixture of vinegar or water
- Paper towels
- Bin bags
- New bedding and litter
- Broom and dustpan
- Vacuum
- When cleaning the cage, you have to replace the bedding or hay. It’s also an opportunity to check whether there are any damages or wear and tear to the cage. Move your rabbit to a safe place while you are cleaning. If your cage is indoors, it will be an excellent opportunity to let your rabbit hop around. If the cage is outdoors, put your rabbit in a different cage to secure it from other animals.
- Remove everything from the cage to clean more effectively. Have a bin bag ready to throw away the litter, worn-out bedding and leftover food. Remember to empty the water bottle.
- Take your disinfectant or mixture of water and vinegar and wipe down the cage walls, floor and ceiling. You can use baking soda and vinegar paste to remove stubborn stains. If possible, let your cage dry off in the sunshine.
- Wash the food dish as you sterilize the water containers. This will prevent your rabbit from getting bacterial and fungal infections. You should also check if your dish or water containers have any damages which may harm your rabbit. Wash the dishes with hot, soapy water or sterilize them in hot, boiling water.
- Soak the litter box in a mixture of vinegar and water to get rid of the stains and disinfect them. Wipe your litter box using a paper towel, then refill your litter box with fresh litter or hay.
- Wash the bedding with hot water.
- Disinfect the toys if there are any. You can use a mixture of water and vinegar to clean them. Check if there are any defective toys that may harm your rabbit and replace them.
- Clean the cage and its environs. A cage with a removable top is easiest to clean because you can comfortably get in and scrub the soiled spots.
Can You Clean a Rabbit Cage With Bleach?
It’s a well-known fact that rabbits like to lick everything they come across. Therefore, using bleach is not the best option. But if you were to use bleach, dilute it with water at a ratio of 1 to 10. Remember to rinse thoroughly afterwards.
The best way to clean a rabbit cage is to use a cleaning product that does not contain dangerous chemicals. There are non-toxic formulas made from safe plants. You can also make your own safe solution with a mixture of water and vinegar.
Avoid using bleach on wooden cages or wooden toys since the wood soaks up the chemicals.
What Happens if You Don’t Clean Your Rabbit Cage?
First and foremost, the cage will smell if you don’t keep it clean. Considering the foul smell from the droppings and urine, this should be your biggest motivation to clean your rabbit’s cage.
Second, your rabbits may end up eating rotten food or drinking dirty water, which can make them sick, and unfortunately, this may lead to death. Urine and spilled water will also make the cage damp, making your rabbit uncomfortable.
The cleaner you keep the rabbit cage, the happier your pet rabbit.
