DollysMom
It never gets old!
I'm making a little tutorial on how I do this because I've been asked several times. I've also read comments that it is difficult. It is not.
I have a unique situation in that there was no feces on any of the decor. Not only do I spot clean whenever I find any, but Mandy is very predictable and most often poops outside the viv after a little exercise.
There are many ways to do this. You may have different decor or a different set up, but this covers many basics. I welcome people to add their own recommendations and pictures. I've done 2 posts because I have too many pictures for one post.
So here we go:
1. Secure snake in holding container and place in safe place. I never disturb her during digestion or shed. I always provide a hiding place. In this case several loose paper towels.
2. Turn off power, remove all decor and anything that is not glued in except substrate (aspen in this case)
3. Remove substrate. I scoop it into old grocery bags by hand...
4. ...and vacuum up the rest.
5. Spray with reptile safe cleaner of your choice. I use white vinegar. Let set.
6. Wash decor. I just use hot water and dishwashing liquid (blue Dawn).
Note: there was no feces on the wooden decor. I simply wiped it down. If badly soiled you can scrub it, rinse it, air dry it, and if desired sanitize it by baking (this deserves a topic of its own so I'm not going further into it at this point)
7. Rinse decor well. Blot dry and lay out to finish air drying on clean towels.
8. While the decor finishes air drying go back and wipe out vinegar. Follow with a plain water rinse and dry. Let viv air dry for a few minutes. This is a great point to get yourself something to drink and to take a quick break.
(Continued in post 2)
I have a unique situation in that there was no feces on any of the decor. Not only do I spot clean whenever I find any, but Mandy is very predictable and most often poops outside the viv after a little exercise.
There are many ways to do this. You may have different decor or a different set up, but this covers many basics. I welcome people to add their own recommendations and pictures. I've done 2 posts because I have too many pictures for one post.
So here we go:
1. Secure snake in holding container and place in safe place. I never disturb her during digestion or shed. I always provide a hiding place. In this case several loose paper towels.
2. Turn off power, remove all decor and anything that is not glued in except substrate (aspen in this case)
3. Remove substrate. I scoop it into old grocery bags by hand...
4. ...and vacuum up the rest.
5. Spray with reptile safe cleaner of your choice. I use white vinegar. Let set.
6. Wash decor. I just use hot water and dishwashing liquid (blue Dawn).
Note: there was no feces on the wooden decor. I simply wiped it down. If badly soiled you can scrub it, rinse it, air dry it, and if desired sanitize it by baking (this deserves a topic of its own so I'm not going further into it at this point)
7. Rinse decor well. Blot dry and lay out to finish air drying on clean towels.
8. While the decor finishes air drying go back and wipe out vinegar. Follow with a plain water rinse and dry. Let viv air dry for a few minutes. This is a great point to get yourself something to drink and to take a quick break.
(Continued in post 2)
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