disinfecting items while setting up vivarium

[Colin Vestrand]

so as the title says, i'm wondering what lengths you should go to with disinfecting your terrarium and the items you're putting in it.

for example, i was going to go out on my property and find some small, dry logs or branches to put in the terrarium but i have no idea how i would clean that before placing it in the cage.

anyone have any tips or good products? the people at the pet stores are kinda clueless around here.

[Python-77]

There are several methods for killing the nasties on item from out doors.
1. If its small enough to fit in the oven than back it for 30min at 250*
2. 1 cap full of bleach per gal of water let sit over night, rinse it and allow it to completely dry before placing into a enclosure.

[Colin Vestrand]

great thanks.

what about store bought items like the enclosure itself or the water dish and hide box? should i worry about cleaning those, and is there a product i can or should use so as not to leave residue which may hurt my snake?

thanks again, this forum is a huge help!

[Shelby]

For disinfectant, my favorite thing to use is chlorhexadine solution. It's completely safe for reptiles (unlike bleach) and is used in veterinary practice as a mouthwash for surgery.

You can buy it from Matt (justcage).

[bg1906]

What I did was order replica wood products. My driftwood piece is artificial but it looks very real and my snake so far seems to enjoy sitting on it. The x-large piece that I got was only 11 bux so its affordable and you don't have to worry about the potential of picking up anything harmful from outdoors. I also still disinfected EVERYTHING (hides, driftwood, enclosure, thermometers, water bowl, cage carpet substrate, radiant heat panel) with virosan before putting her in the enclosure. That may have been a bit overkill, but I just wanted to make sure my snake got off to a good nice clean environmental start. It has paid off so far as she is acclimating nicely.

[Colin Vestrand]

mm k, what about that wipe out stuff from zoo med?

this is what my local store carries. my snake is coming tomorrow so i wanted to get this setup completed tonite.

[Shelby]

I guess the zoo med stuff is ok.. albeit overpriced. Do yourself a favor and order some chlorhexadine.. I use it all the time.

[bg1906]

Yes. I ordered some online for 13 bux per gallon. Matt (justcage) also sells it.