Second-hand Cages

[missy]

Hi,

This is probably a silly question but I'm thinking of buying a second-hand cage and want to check it will be ok to use for my guinea pig....

I wouldn't go smaller than a 4x2ft, so size isn't an issue, but I'm just wondering about previous inhabitants and any problems that could cause. Obviously I'd try to get one as little used and stain-free as possible and I'm assuming that as long as I disinfect it thoroughly then it should be perfectly fine (is diluted bleach ok to use?)

If the cage had prevoiusly been used for a sick animal, is there any chance that there could still be nasties which could affect my piggy? And although I'd scrub it as much as poss, is there any chance that any lingering 'scent' could upset him? If it had previously been ued for a rabbit, would this still be ok too?

Am I just being silly?!?! Any thoughts please?

Many thanks

 

[Tommies Mam]

Personally I can't see any problems so long as it has been cleaned and rinsed well, two of my pigs Prince Harry and Sparky are in a cage that is third hand and they have suffered no problems. I went for the third hand cage as it was only £20 in comparison to nearly £100 for a new one and they required a much bigger cage than they were in, their old cage is now in York being used by my friend for her piggies if they are poorly and need to be cared for indoors.

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Fungal spores from ringworm can lay dormant in wood for up to 18 months, so better be safe than sorry. Bleach diluted 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or if you can, get some Virkon (sph supplies online sell it in tablet form) as this kills everything including fungal stuff, I use it on all my hutches here between inhabitants.

Sophie
x

 

[happysaz133]

As long as it is well cleaned there shoudl be no problem!

 

[missy]

Thanks all.

I've now bought and collected a pre-owned cage and will give it some serious elbow grease today. I had no idea that ringworm spores could survive so long so thanks for that tip - very useful to know.

Really looking forward to seeing my little one romping around in his palatial new home so I'm off to get my marigolds on now!

 

[caviaporcellus]

Fungal spores from ringworm can lay dormant in wood for up to 18 months, so better be safe than sorry. Bleach diluted 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, or if you can, get some Virkon (sph supplies online sell it in tablet form) as this kills everything including fungal stuff, I use it on all my hutches here between inhabitants.

Sophie
x

Thanks for this. I was looking for a post on how to disinfect a second hand hutch I bought today.

I was wondering exactly what to do with the bleach solution. Do I paint/spray/wipe it onto the wood until it is soaked and leave it or do I wash it off afterwards or .. something else?

Thanks in advance.

P.S. I just love x) your piggy. He (or she) is so cute. How did you get that fab photo for your avatar?