Hygiene

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The frequency with which the enclosure should be cleaned depends

on its design, the materials out of which it is made, and the

number of rodents within it.  As a general rule of thumb,

however, the enclosure and all cage furniture should be cleaned

and disinfected once weekly.  The food and water containers

should be cleaned and disinfected once daily (Roccal-D:

Winthrop).  More than one set of containers should be maintained,

and the soiled set should be washed in a dishwasher, if

possible.



Vigorous scrubbing of the enclosure and furniture with hot water

and soap and a thorough rinse should be followed by the use of a

disinfectant.  Vinegar is often required to remove the scale

deposited by rodent urine.