Introducing...

[BABY'S MOM]

Well today I came home from work, and both of my boys' cages were a mess! I could not stand it anymore, so I stripped them both, and gave them a good cleaning.

I only went one day without stripping the cages. yesterday I only pooper-scooped them. But I'm not ready to give up yet. My next goal is to try, and go two days without stripping cages.

Today is Tuesday, so that means that I have to wait until Friday to strip cages. Wednesday, and Thursday just scooping the dirt out. I've never gone that long without sanitizing the cages before. Do you think that's too long to have a dirty cage? Will they start smellng bad before Friday?

If they start stinking, I don't know if I can wait until Friday to clean.

On a happier note, I phoned Brown Sugar's vet, Dr. JoAnne Heaver, and booked an appointment for Sylvester to see her for a wellness exam. She's going to be gone for a few days, but the earliest she can see him is Friday.

Sylvester is eating, drinking, pooping, and peeing all normally, so I thought that there wasn't any emergency to get him in earlier than Friday. I told her-Friday sounded good. So will keep you updated on our visit with Dr. Heaver.

[Pennsylvania Pigger]

Mine (3 in a 2x5) are usually pretty good for about 4 days. I know other people change them more or less frequently, but I have 3 sets of bedding, and on average they last me about 2 weeks. What usually makes it smell the most is if they make a mess of their hay and pee all over it and I am slow to clean it up.

[AmysAnimals]

I really doubt they will start stinking within two-three days. Today I was at BigLots and found this mini, handheld, "Monster Steamer". Lets just say, I think Im in love. I added a little nook on to Oscars cage so I decided to try out my new steamer for cleaning the cage. Its so simple, I just poured water (no chemicals, etc) and pressed the trigger. Steam puffed out and I used the attatchment with a cloth cover and wiped over the entire cage floor. I had a dried on urine stain on the very bottom plastic liner--some how Oscar peed on the side of the cage and it dripped to the bottom layer?--I took my steamer and the stain was gone in a second. I was amazed. I used it to steam everything in his cage--his cloth cuddle cup, his pigloo, his cardboard tunnels, the litter box and all the cubes. There wasnt a drop of piggy scent in that entire cage.

The best thing is, since it only uses water I can sanatize at any time and not have to worry about getting cage cleaning spray in teh fabric etc. The steam gets nice and hot and kills any bacteria and odor. Oscar peed in his cuddle cup about 2 weeks ago and I didnt get around to washing it out completely. I smelled it and it wasnt so pleasent so I used the steamer on it and stuck my nose back in. The smell was gone! For twenty dollars I think this has been the best investment I have made and now I can sanitize without taking everything out. The steam can go throw all the layers (I tried it on a pillow and it went through the pillow).

Im glad I snatched it up because it has been discontinued. BigLots is one of my favorite stores since they get all the "left overs" and sell them for half the original price.

[guinealuv93]

Wow. Thank you to everyone so far. You have all been a great help. Gingers cage will be spotless. I bought that craft vaccum you have and it is working great! I put the fleece in today and Ginger seems to be in love! I hope to find Ginger a gal pal soon, so she will have someone to play with. My mom has said ok to a C&C so I will be soon purchasing the supplies. Thanks again!

[AmysAnimals]

Woohoo for happy owners, happy piggies and bigger cages! As far as spotless cages, its a little hard because of the hay but Im sure yours will be just fine!

[guineapiggoddess]

I poop scoop the piggie cage daily and clean the fleece about twice a week, and the room still smells like piggie. I just open up the windows a crack wehn I get up at 6:00 and close them at around ten or earlier. It gets stuffy with piggie smell during the night but it all goes away!