How to Keep a Pet Rodent Disease Free

The first thing that comes to mind when you think about rodents is probably disease. We usually see rodents as pests that spread diseases like rabies and the plague. But once you get past their reputation and see them for the intelligent and playful animals they are, you should know how to keep rodents free of disease before you start to keep one as a pet.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soap
• Water
• Vinegar
• Food
• Toys
• Paper

1. Clean and disinfect your rodent's cage one to three times a week, including its bedding. Use hot soapy water to clean, and white vinegar to disinfect.

2. Provide fresh clean water daily and regularly clean the container you put the rodent's water in. Accommodate your rodent if it has a preference for drinking out of a bowl or from a sipper tube.

3. Give your rodent fresh, nutritious food each day with a minimum protein content of 16 percent and a maximum fat content of 4 to 5 percent. Seeds are less nutritious than formulated rodent food pellets, so if you feed your rodent with seeds, give it small portions and make sure the rodent eats all of it before replenishing its supply, or else it will only eat the less nutritious seeds. Don't let your rodent hide old food away where it might rot.

4. Put toys and objects for climbing in the rodent's cage to give it exercise and stimulation instead of sweet or fatty treats to eat. This will strengthen its immune system.

5. See a veterinarian every 6 to 12 months for a check-up. There aren't vaccines available for rodents, but a veterinarian can spot early signs of any diseases and help treat them.

6. Spay or neuter your rodent. This not only keeps it from breeding, but also helps protect it from some reproductive diseases.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't use cat litter or cedar chips for bedding, because they can cause lung diseases or other problems. Use shredded paper instead.