I have an old hamster cage that I posted on social media, but there are no takers. I need to know what to do with old hamster cage. Should I throw it in the trash?
Can you put a new hamster in an old cage? Can you put a hamster in another hamster’s cage? Are there better tips for selling or donating hamster cages to someone in need?
In this article, we will discuss what to do with old hamster cages.
What to Do With Old Hamster Cage
Old hamster cages are typically used again by new owners or hamsters as long as they are hygienically cleaned and function as well as they did when you first got it.
It is important to not pass on any bacteria or other potential health factors that are negatively able to influence a new hamster in an old cage.
Make sure the cage’s structural integrity is sound, it is not corroded and works well enough to be used again. Cleaning the cage is very important before reusing, selling or donating it.
How To Clean Old Hamster Cage
Hamsters die in their cages. This is normal. Illnesses could be contagious or not. Nevertheless, the hamster’s old cage must be cleaned thoroughly.
- Empty out all the contents of the cage.
- Remove bedding and throw away used items.
- Clean tunnels, wheels and toys if you wish to keep them.
- Wash everything with mild soap and warm water. Use vinegar for extra neutralizing powers.
- Rinse away all soap and vinegar residue.
- Disassembling the cage makes it easier to clean every nook and cranny.
- Let the cage dry.
- Use hamster-safe disinfectant sprays sold in vet clinics or pet shops.
- Look for crusty spots that are acidic urine stains.
- Reassemble the cage
- Put all the cleaned and dried items back in.
The cage is now able to be sold, donate or reused for a new furry little tenant.
Ways to Dispose of an Old Hamster Cage
Getting rid of an old hamster cage doesn’t mean you have to toss it in the trash or leave it out for garbage collection at the edge of the lawn.
Someone might pick it up and wish to use it, but this is not safe and potentially hazardous for the health of a new hamster. Cleaning must be done first, but it should not be a daunting task.
Here are three things you can do instead:
- Sell the cage
- Donate The Cage
- Attach It to An Existing Cage
1. Sell the cage
You can spruce it up with a fresh coat of paint and get more money for it. Upcycling a cage could even make you more money than what you paid for it in the first place. Sell it on online marketplaces rather than simply posting about it to your friends and contacts.
2. Donate The Cage
Animal shelters would gladly accept a clean and used hamster cage. There are also non-profit shelters that may accept it as dirty and do the cleaning task themselves.
3. Attach It to An Existing Cage
You can make a super cage. Create an opening from one cage to another for added levels of space and enjoyment for active hamsters to discover.
You can get into it with welding or just use duct tape and superglue for easier DIY options. The tape and glue must be applied safely to make sure your hamster never makes contact with anything that is sticky.
Can You Put a Hamster in Another Hamster’s Cage?
Yes. Be careful, however, because hamsters like to fight for territory and dominance. If there is already a hamster who has grown accustomed to solitary life in his or her own cage, adding a new hamster in there means potential war.
If there are no residents left in this cage, the residue, potential bacteria and remnants of waste must be thoroughly cleaned before considering placing a new hamster in there.
What Are the Signs of Old Age in Hamsters?
Hamsters get old and so do their cages. Maybe it’s time to get rid of that cage lying around when your hamster passes away.
Maybe you can make plans for selling or donating the cage when you start to notice that your hamster is approaching the late stages of life.
Here are some signs that you can see to let you know that your hamster is close to the end:
- Decreased activity
- Hair becomes more fine
- Skin gets softer with less muscle
- Appetite shrinks
- Weight is reduced
- Vision is impaired
- Pain or arthritis limits full range of motion
- Dental issue with teeth decaying
Do not be too sad when this happens and make the best of the remaining moments you can spend together.
Meanwhile, keep in mind, that someone would love to take the cage if you are firm that this hamster was your final hamster. Just make sure to clean out the cage first.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can You Put A New Hamster In An Old Cage?
Yes. Once the old cage is properly sanitized and checked for its structural integrity, you can place a new hamster in there.
2. How often should I clean the hamster’s cage ?
You should clean a hamster cage once a week at least. Once every 2 weeks is fine for those who are routinely making quick checks per day to remove poop, uneaten food, wipe stains and urine.
3. Why a hamster’s cage can get smelly
Remnants of food and hamster waste will make a hamster’s cage unsanitary. Moving the nest location by you or your hamster’s own will will drag around a mess as well.
4. Which soaps should I use to clean a hamster cage?
Use mild soap, natural soap or hamster specific disinfectant that are commercially sold for this purpose. Check your local pet shop or search on online retailers for these products that are available in your region.
Thank you for visiting PocketPetCentral.com for the best information to help you enjoy the life of your pocket pet companion in a fun, safe & healthy way.
