| Hygiene The frequency with which the enclosure is cleaned depends on its design, the materials out of which it is made, and the number of guinea pigs that reside within in. As a general rule of thumb, the enclosure and all cage "furniture" should be cleaned and disinfected once weekly. Food and water containers should be cleaned and disinfected once daily. 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 use of a disinfectant (Roccal-D: Winthrop). Vinegar is often required to remove the scale deposited by the crystalline urine of guinea pigs. |