Snake-safe cleaning methods/plants?

[d_virginiana]

So, my summer project this year is going to be a total re-vamping of my snake's enclosure (it's pretty drab at the moment, and I feel like making it pretty):D. I'm going to dump everything out, deep-clean the cage, and redecorate.
I was wondering if there are any relatively simple cleaning methods to use for snakes? My main experience with this sort of thing is frogs, and the process of 'nuking' a frog cage is a pain. I've done it in the past for the snake cages, but I was wondering if a more standard cleaning method would be safe? Like maybe very diluted bleach, hot water, and a good rinse?
I also want to try a live plant if possible. Is there a list of 'snake-safe' plants that I could find?

[infernalis]

Diluted bleach is a very widely used cleaning method.

For glass use vinegar based glass cleaner. (Ammonia free) I use this a lot.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41kIt%2BYy81L.jpg

[ConcinusMan]

Since I use glass tanks, periodically I will remove everything from them and use diliuted bleach on the tank and contents. However, bleach can leave harmful residue and it's not always practical to do this at every cleaning. When I don't want to move the entire enclosure I wipe it out with a cloth dampened with hydrogen peroxide. It cuts down on germs and doesn't require rinsing. Also, between major cleanings the glass gets dirty too. For that, I agree with Wayne. I don't actually use windex. I buy white distilled vinegar by the gallon and use it straight from the container. It cleans glass quite well and even removes hard water deposits that build up in the glass from misting the tanks. Vinegar also does not require rinsing and is safe.

[Sonya610]

FYI using both Vinegar and Hydrogen Peroxide will increase the disinfecting power by a factor of 10 over Vinegar alone.

It is extremely effective however you cannot ever mix both in the same container. You spray one, then spray the other so they are combined and will effectively kill germs, then rinse. If you mix both in a spray bottle the mixture will become toxic after a little while.

This is very commonly used as a non-toxic disinfectant for small animal cages. I learned about it on the rat fancier boards, they all used that instead of bleach.

As a side note I recently started making my own window cleaner, it shines up the glass better than Windex.


Here’s the recipe:

1/4 c. rubbing alcohol
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 Tbsp cornstarch
2 c. warm water
Combine everything in a spray bottle, and shake well. Shake well before using, too, as the cornstarch might settle at the bottom (and subsequently plug the spray mechanism if it’s not mixed in well).

Battle of the Homemade Glass Cleaners | Crunchy Betty (http://crunchybetty.com/battle-of-the-homemade-glass-cleaners)

[d_virginiana]

Thanks! All of those suggestions sound way easier than what I've been doing.

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, after I remove all substrate and contents of the tank, I usually wipe down the enclosure (which is just glass) with a cloth wet with peroxide, let it sit for a few minutes and "fizz", then I wipe up the excess. Then I follow up with the vinegar to get the glass nice and clear. Dry tank thoroughly before putting in clean substrate. As far as plants and rocks go, I soak those in diluted bleach water (1/4 cup per 5 gallon bucket of water) while I'm cleaning the tank, then rinse several times.

[Sonya610]

ConcinnusMan I believe virginiana may have chosen that avatar just for you! LOL.

[ConcinusMan]

:eek::mad:

Of course it probably had nothing to do with the fact that they are native to Virginia and the carolinas?

[Sonya610]

:eek::mad:

Of course it probably had nothing to do with the fact that they are native to Virginia and the carolinas?

Yuppers. That must be it, Possum avatars are common on these here reptile forums. : )

[ConcinusMan]

As long as they're a little less common in my yard, that's just fine with me.

[Mommy2many]

Yuppers. That must be it, Possum avatars are common on these here reptile forums. : )


Hehehe:D

Sorry Richard, just had to!

[RedSidedSPR]

As long as they're a little less common in my yard, that's just fine with me.

Ditto. Found a baby under the bush the other day. Well, my dog did. I really don't like 'em all that much, but I let the little guy live:rolleyes:

[ConcinusMan]

It's my fault really. I have 4 bird feeders and two squirrel feeders. One of the bird feeders is special just for niger (thistle) seed to attract goldfinches, the rest have black sunflower. The spilled seed attracts possums. They come at night so I don't see them much and they aren't doing any real harm. But now I have another problem. Recently a couple of huge norway rats have decided to take up residence under my shed. They come out in broad daylight to eat the spilled seed. I have professional grade poison packets I placed under the shed. They're too damn smart, they haven't touched it. I'm going to get a commercial bait station, and couple of traps, and try that. Possums, squirrels, dogs, etc. will not be able to get to the poison/traps but I'm not so sure the rats will go for it when they have plenty of sunflower seeds to eat. One things for sure, norway rats are not stupid.

[kibakiba]

The mouse infestation we have never seems to cease. We've used a lot of different things for them, including glue traps, which I'm against using... But when the mice are crawling IN your bed, with you in it... It just has to stop. The mouse that was the worst was big, loud and smart. It let itself be known, I kid you not. It was crawling on my bed squeaking when I was trying to sleep. It got itself out of every single trap. It took about 3 months for it to finally be killed. I hate mice.

[Mommy2many]

Snake food:D

[Sonya610]

Virgiana take before and after pix to share.

[d_virginiana]

Hahahahahahaha :D The possum theme started with my user name (short for Didelphis virginiana). There's an entire photoalbum's worth of potential possum avatars from some of my rescues, some of which are quite frankly terrifying. (Have you SEEN their angry faces?!) lol




Virgiana take before and after pix to share.

Will do :) Hopefully within the next few days!

[ConcinusMan]

some of which are quite frankly terrifying. (Have you SEEN their angry faces?!) lol

I don't even dare to look. Some people can't stand to look at a spider, or a snake. Well, for me, that's nothing to me compared to... well, you see, I can't even mention it. Just talking about it gives me the willies.

[d_virginiana]

I don't even dare to look. Some people can't stand to look at a spider, or a snake. Well, for me, that's nothing to me compared to... well, you see, I can't even mention it. Just talking about it gives me the willies.

Yup. More teeth and a wider jaw-span than any other mammal... And no idea that actually using those things for biting instead of playing dead *might* be a more effective defense mechanism. :p
With me it's chickens. There's no reason for it, but I just can't stand them.

[kibakiba]

Chickens are weird looking... But so delicious.

[Stefan-A]

a wider jaw-span than any other mammal...
I think they might actually be sharing first place with the clouded leopard. I think.

[ConcinusMan]

*shudders in disgust* :p

[d_virginiana]

I think they might actually be sharing first place with the clouded leopard. I think.


Yeah, I think you're right. :rolleyes: They're still pretty impressive though!

[Stefan-A]

Yeah, I think you're right. :rolleyes: They're still pretty impressive though!
Indeed.

I was pretty sure the Tasmanian devil had the widest, but it turns out it can only open its jaws to about 80 degrees. If only the thylacine was still around, with its 120 degree gape. ;)

[d_virginiana]

If only the thylacine was still around, with its 120 degree gape. ;)

Seriously one of my favorite animals.

[Mommy2many]

I love chickens.
Sorry, we're off topic here (again)

[Sonya610]

If you are planning to really jazz up your tank you might want to check out all the DIY backgrounds on youtube. There are lots of vids and I love the fact the backgrounds not only look good, but can accomodate shelves and other things for stringing plants and lounging spots.

I am going to make one for my enclosure, it will let the little guys use the unused "wall space" for exploring and with moss/plants will look nice too.

Most are all cheap and easy using foam, grout/paint and hot glue. With formations and maybe some moss it will add a lot of dimension!

[ConcinusMan]

Yeah, I think I've watched just about all of them already

[d_virginiana]

Good idea.. I've seen some of those, and my fiance is helping me make some neat looking stuff.
It's going to take awhile to get him in his new place though, because we had to make a custom top for it (we have several cats that sit on top of the snake cage, so it has to be like ultra-reinforced to withstand the weight of morbidly obese felines)... The upside to that though is that I get more time to worry with designing the inside! :)

[Kantar]

holy moly! all these methods and recipes

I just use extremely hot water and some elbow grease

put everything back in, spray everything down with hot water, put snakes in, watch them for hours exploring