How to Clean the Cage for a Gerbil With Babies

If your pet gerbil has recently given birth to a litter of gerbil pups, you may feel uncomfortable about cleaning the cage while the babies are inside. Though it is true that a mother gerbil may sometimes eat her young when she is feeling stressed after birth, keeping your gerbil's cage clean of feces and debris will only add to your gerbil's comfort level and should not, when done properly, cause undue stress.

Things You'll Need

  • white vinegar, or pet-friendly cage cleaner
  • sponge
  • dry cloth
  • gloves
  • cat litter scooper
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Create an alternate enclosure with plenty of bedding and fresh water to keep your gerbils in while you are cleaning their cage. Use a cardboard box or a pet carrier case, but make sure that the gerbils will be safe from household predators, such as your cat or a curious dog. Place a screen or some fabric over the top of the enclosure to ensure your gerbils' safety.

    • 2

      Put on a pair of gloves before handling the gerbils.

    • 3

      Gently remove the mother and father gerbil to the temporary enclosure.

    • 4

      Scoop the gerbil pups carefully into the palm of your hand, one or two at a time, and place them near their parent gerbils in the temporary enclosure.

    • 5

      Cover the temporary enclosure with a screen or piece of fabric.

    Clean

    • 6

      Remove any toys, trays or food bowls from your gerbil cage, and wash all items in warm, soapy water.

    • 7

      Dump the used litter into a trash can.

    • 8

      Wipe the inside of the cage with white vinegar on a damp sponge until it is clean.

    • 9

      Replace with fresh litter, clean toys and food and water bowls.

    • 10

      Carefully lift the parent gerbils first, followed by the pups, back into the clean cage.