Herp Housecleaning

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Reptile - Care

Herp Housecleaning

Because reptiles and amphibians are particularly susceptible to infection and disease, it's important for owners to keep their environment as clean as possible. You'll worry less about your pet staying healthy if you set up a program for maintaining a sanitary cage.

A Threefold Job

In general, good cage hygiene comprises two tasks: cleaning and disinfecting. These are more distinct from one another than you might realize. How often you clean, disinfect and sterilize depends on the type of herp you have - terrestrial, aquatic or semiaquatic - and its size. A cleanliness program for a corn snake will differ from one for an Oriental fire-bellied toad.

If you're designing an elaborate vivarium, you may want to facilitate housecleaning by using as many removable elements as possible. Then you can replace soiled objects without taking the whole cage apart.

Whatever the environment, here are suggestions for a complete cleaning regimen.

Cleaning - This involves removing organic matter, such as food and feces, either by scraping and scooping it out or by using hot soapy water and some type of scrubbing implement, followed by a thorough rinse. Check your pet's enclosure daily and remove loose messes promptly. For stuck-on material, a putty knife or other scraper will do.

Disinfecting - After a thorough cleaning, it's important to rid your pet's environment of as many infectious bacteria as possible. You can use 3% bleach solution or any of the disinfectants sold specifically for this purpose. Apply the diluted solution to surfaces or soak the cage for 10 to 15 minutes. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterward, as these products are highly toxic to your pets. You will to disinfect the enclosure at least once per week, depending on your pet's needs.

You should disinfect rags, sponges, scrapers and other cleaning tools each time you use them, especially if you have herps in separate enclosures. This greatly decreases the risk of spreading germs around. If possible,have two or three sets of cleaning utensils on hand or keep separate sets for each enclosure.

It is also important to protect your own health as well as that of your pet. Always wear gloves when doing these tasks and sterilize them or wash and sanitize your hands before and after handling your pet and cleaning the habitat.

Fresh Water and Clean Cages for Everybody

The reptile and amphibian families are so large and varied it is difficult to generalize about pets' needs. You'll need to consult reliable herpetology professionals and guidebooks on caring for the specific species, but you can use these general tips as a starting point.

Reptiles

Snakes and lizards - Your snake should be able to get his entire body into his water dish, so choose one that's large enough but also shallow to prevent drowning. Change the water daily or more often as needed, as most snakes relieve themselves in water. Every week, remove your pet from his cage and clean and disinfect the cage and everything in it (such as water bowls and decorations). Replace substrate at this time as well.

Turtles - Once a week, after moving the turtle to a temporary habitat, disinfect the tank and change the water completely. To remove algae, scrub the aquarium walls with a brush. Clean a terrestrial turtle's cage once a week, changing the substrate and disinfecting the terrarium. Provide a water dish large enough for him to soak in but shallow enough to allow for an easy exit. Be sure to change the water daily.

Amphibians

Frogs and Toads - Change the water daily or more often, if necessary. Also, ensure the fresh water is dechlorinated and has no additives. Each time you change the water, use a towel to clean algae off the tank walls. Do not use a detergent around amphibians. Once a week, disinfect all décor and rinse thoroughly. After putting your pet in a temporary tank, wash the glass aquarium with 3% bleach solution or an antibacterial cleaner deemed safe for this purpose. Even with a safe product, you'll need to rinse thoroughly.

Salamanders and Newts - The water should be changed daily and feces removed daily. The new water must be dechlorinated and free of additives. The rest of the cleaning regimen is similar to that of frogs and toads.