Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I was wondering what products I should use to clean my snakes cage. I have heard of using dilluted bleach, but that doesn't strike me as being very safe for the animal (even if it does dry completely before putting the snake back in the cage). Is this the best method, or is there a better alternative. Thank you.

If that is the best method, can someone give me details as to how to do it. I believe I read 20% bleach, is that correct?

Matt

I'm with you on the bleach. I know others use it and if done properly is safe, but I'm a scaredy cat sometimes. LOL

I clean with hot soapy water and disinfect with Nolvasan (aka Virosan). This product is completely safe as it is sometimes used as a wound/mouth rinse in reptiles. You can get it online from proexotics

There is a difference between cleaning and disinfecting - and both should be done.

I found this to be of great help:
www.anapsid.org/cleaning.html
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1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"

1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"

How often should I clean/disinfect the cage? Its a rough green snake, if that matters.

Matt

Beautiful snake! Well I don't keep that species, but what I do with my Ball Python is spot clean daily: pick up any urates, feces,etc. If any deco gets urates or feces on it I also spray with Nolvasan and wipe. I spray and wipe the water dish daily and change the water as well. Once a week (I wait till he's defecated) I clean & disinfect the carpet, water dish and under the carpet. My BP goes in the same place just about everytime. I totally clean and disinfect the entire tank and it's contents about once every 2-3 months. Don't want to overdo it. Like I said, my BP goes in pretty much the same areas and doesn't stink the place up. My Kenyan is on a loose substrate but I still do the same schedule. I just have to sift daily.
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Check Out My Albums

1.0 Ball Python
"Aragorn"

1.0 Kenyan Sand Boa
"Gimli"

1.0 Mexican Black Kingsnake
"Indigo"

0.1 Australian Cattle Dog/Pointer
"Kira"