New here – need advice on a used habitat issue

[BethanyB]

I am getting a new super adorable baby this weekend. She’s a Netherland dwarf cross and just weaned last week so she’s going to be small. I found a good deal on a nice cage to use for the time being until we can make her permanent habitat/home. 

Here’s the issue – owner of the cage said their previous rabbit just got sick (head tilt?) and they weren’t sure I still wanted the cage. I’ve been searching and searching, and haven’t come up with another solution. It’s spend twice as much for a cheap plastic cage at the pet store, or get this nice big one for half the cost… but can it be sanitized and made safe for my new little one? Or.. is it not worth the risk? How long can bacteria stay alive? It’s super cold outside, in my mind I’m thinking that even putting the cage outside for a few days in below freezing temps should help kill bacteria, then if I clean it well when I get home with it? 

Please advise! 

Thank you. 

[Bam]

Chlorine bleach will kill e cuniculi spores, in case the head tilt your friend’s bun got was caused by e cuniculi. A 10% solution of bleach seems to be the best thing, e cuniculi spores are highly resistant in the environment. If the cage is wooden, some of the bleach will be absorbed by the wood and you’ll need to air it out very thoroughly before you place a bun in it. Bleach will also of course kill bacteria. The normally recommended disinfectant for use around rabbits, Virkon S, is ineffective against e cuniculi spores but kills lots of other pathogens.

If it’s really cold outside it wouldn’t hurt to put the cage outside for 72 hours or so before you bring it inside, but it not a method that takes care of all possible pathogens, so thorough cleaning will (as you state yourself) still be required. If the cage is dirty it needs to be cleaned first to remove the dirt so the bleach will be able to reach all parts of the cage. Chalky residue from pee is easiest removed with vinegar and water.

[caillou]

Another alternative would be buying an exercise pen meant for dogs instead of a cage! They’re usually cheaper then actual cages and provide a lot more room for buns!

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