How to Disinfect a Bearded Dragon Cage With Coccidia

Coccidia is a protozoan parasite that is one of the most common parasitic diseases that affect bearded dragon lizards. A coccidia infection can cause gastrointestinal pain, diarrhea and weight loss. Even though the disease can be treated, re-infection is common because of the cage environment not being properly disinfected. If your bearded dragon comes down with coccidia, treat the infection according to your vet's instructions, and disinfect the cage to prevent re-infection.

Things You'll Need

  • Albon or another coccidia treatment
  • Temporary tank or plastic tub
  • Paper towel
  • Bleach
  • Water
  • Plastic bucket or empty milk jug
  • Plastic spray bottle
  • Bathtub
  • Soft rag
  • Outdoor hose (optional)
  • Substrate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Treat your bearded dragon for coccidia by following your veterinarian's instructions. A common treatment for this parasite is the antibiotic called Albon which contains sulfadimethoxine. Treating your bearded dragon for this parasite can take several weeks.

    • 2

      Remove your bearded dragon from its cage, and house it temporarily in a new cage that has not been used or has been properly sterilized. The temporary cage does not need to be large, although it should house your bearded dragon comfortably for a few hours while you disinfect the regular tank. If you do not have an alternate tank, a 60-quart plastic tub is sufficient.

    • 3

      Empty your bearded dragon's regular cage completely. Remove all plants, decorations and food dishes. Discard the substrate, and wipe down the tank with a damp paper towel to remove any substrate stuck in the corners.

    • 4

      Prepare a mixture of 1/4 cup of bleach and a gallon of water in a large bucket or empty milk jug. Fill a plastic spray bottle with the mixture.

    • 5

      Set out the items you have removed from the tank in an empty bathtub and spray them thoroughly with the bleach and water mixture. Coat the entire object, lifting it up to coat the bottom if necessary. Allow the objects to soak in the bleach mixture for 15 minutes.

    • 6

      Scrub the tank decorations and food dishes with a soft rag to remove any dried feces and to disinfect the object. Apply more of the bleach mixture if necessary.

    • 7

      Rinse all of the items well until you can no longer smell bleach on them. You might need to rinse the items several times.

    • 8

      Spray the inside of your bearded dragon's cage with the bleach mixture, and allow it to sit for 15 minutes before wiping the liquid away with a sponge or paper towel. Rinse the walls of the tank thoroughly until you can no longer smell the bleach. If possible, carry the tank to the bathtub or use a hose outside to ensure proper rinsing.

    • 9

      Allow the tank and the tank decorations to dry completely. This process could take several hours, depending on the type of tank decorations you have.

    • 10

      Pour a fresh layer of substrate into the tank, and place all of the disinfected tank decorations back in their place inside the tank. Remove your bearded dragon from the temporary tank, and reintroduce it to the newly disinfected tank.