Post by saggy on Apr 13, 2015 0:59:16 GMT
Hi (again) and apologies for all the questions. I did try and find a sticky (is that what it's called?) or something first but couldn't find much. I have been cleaning my cage out bit by bit rather than all the same time - two small shelves every couple of days as just need to dustpan every thing off and put new bit of newspaper down, large middle full level on another day once a week and I'm just about to do the big nesty one at the bottom tomorrow - is it okay to do it this way? It makes it easier for me as can block the middle level so they can't get to section that I'm cleaning and heard that they can get funky after a clean out so thought this might help prevent it and no problems with them so far although not sure if old enough for that yet although they already fight and box over the more favoured food sometimes but nothing else.
What can I clean the wooden shelves with - I read about white vinegar but will this smell vinagery and can I let them use it when still damp with vinegar unlike if I use disenfectant? Also, do you use the vinegar instead of disenfectant or can I use lemon instead and would this mean I can not have to wait for it to dry to let them back on it (obviously I should let it dry before putting anything over the top).
Also is there something I can line the two smaller shelves with as they already have a few pee stains on and have been putting newspaper down but done little to help - doesn't smell at all (yet). I can't use anything loose as will just fall off - what about cork placemats or will they just chew? Tiles - but will it just soak through between cracks? Anything really and even throw away if cheap enough.
The large middle level is fine as have put down hemp floor mat stuff with some straw and tiny bit of wood chip stuff I got off my aunty on top which seems to be working. The hemp flooring is expensive but really want to protect that shelf as much as possible as more of a pain to replace than the other two as the size required means I can't get it locally and a real pain to get in and out lol.
In regards to the bottom nest area - should I do this weekly too or is it best to do every two weeks so they feel comfortable. I have carefresh on the bottom with lots of hay on top. Do they pee and poo in the actual nest area under the wicker bridge where they sleep? (can't see inside yet as it's full of tissue etc lol)
ALso, do I have to do the cage bars that often as up to now I've seen no indication of spraying sideways or outwards as I've read they do or is this something they start doing as they grow up? I have the splash backs but there is no pee on any of those either.
One more question - is it safe to use a very small piece of bird cage sand paper on a little section of their cage? I do this with my bird in a place where he has to go to regularly but not often as it hurts his feet if on it too much and I do this as it is just enough to not have to worry about clipping his nails - have never had to do it in ten years. If I leave it out the cage for a few weeks, his nails get really really long and sharp. His nails seem almost the same as the degus including where they are positioned (feet anyway) so thought the principle might be the same. My bird also has a chew every now and then but no problems over ten years. If this is okay, I was thinking about just where the hay bale is as they never run or jump in this bit to hit it too hard and dont spend much time there. I have read information about putting it in wheel every now and then but that seems worse to me as they are going down on it quite hard so thought a little bit slightly more regularly would be better as long as they don't eat too much and I've realised with the newspaper that if put down in a certain way - they ignore it rather than rip it up and they have sand baths etc so just an idea.
Apologies for the essay
What can I clean the wooden shelves with - I read about white vinegar but will this smell vinagery and can I let them use it when still damp with vinegar unlike if I use disenfectant? Also, do you use the vinegar instead of disenfectant or can I use lemon instead and would this mean I can not have to wait for it to dry to let them back on it (obviously I should let it dry before putting anything over the top).
Also is there something I can line the two smaller shelves with as they already have a few pee stains on and have been putting newspaper down but done little to help - doesn't smell at all (yet). I can't use anything loose as will just fall off - what about cork placemats or will they just chew? Tiles - but will it just soak through between cracks? Anything really and even throw away if cheap enough.
The large middle level is fine as have put down hemp floor mat stuff with some straw and tiny bit of wood chip stuff I got off my aunty on top which seems to be working. The hemp flooring is expensive but really want to protect that shelf as much as possible as more of a pain to replace than the other two as the size required means I can't get it locally and a real pain to get in and out lol.
In regards to the bottom nest area - should I do this weekly too or is it best to do every two weeks so they feel comfortable. I have carefresh on the bottom with lots of hay on top. Do they pee and poo in the actual nest area under the wicker bridge where they sleep? (can't see inside yet as it's full of tissue etc lol)
ALso, do I have to do the cage bars that often as up to now I've seen no indication of spraying sideways or outwards as I've read they do or is this something they start doing as they grow up? I have the splash backs but there is no pee on any of those either.
One more question - is it safe to use a very small piece of bird cage sand paper on a little section of their cage? I do this with my bird in a place where he has to go to regularly but not often as it hurts his feet if on it too much and I do this as it is just enough to not have to worry about clipping his nails - have never had to do it in ten years. If I leave it out the cage for a few weeks, his nails get really really long and sharp. His nails seem almost the same as the degus including where they are positioned (feet anyway) so thought the principle might be the same. My bird also has a chew every now and then but no problems over ten years. If this is okay, I was thinking about just where the hay bale is as they never run or jump in this bit to hit it too hard and dont spend much time there. I have read information about putting it in wheel every now and then but that seems worse to me as they are going down on it quite hard so thought a little bit slightly more regularly would be better as long as they don't eat too much and I've realised with the newspaper that if put down in a certain way - they ignore it rather than rip it up and they have sand baths etc so just an idea.
Apologies for the essay