How to disinfect a brooder?

[Kait27]

I just picked up a great rat cage at a yardsale for $15 that will be perfect for my four incoming buff orp chicks. I want to get it good and clean, because I don't know what happened to the animal that lived in it previously. Is there any particular cleaner I should use, (or not use?). Should I use bleach and water- what's a good formula? Or does it not matter as long as I rinse it well?

 

[Blondie]

One cup of bleach (some say 1/2 cup) and one cup of vinegar in one gallon of water is good!

Or, just scrub it down with soap and water and rinse REALLY GOOD. Let it air dry.

 

[crazybs]

the first thing i go to for disinfecting anything when it comes to my animals is vinegar, i have found that it is generally safe to use and does a really good job cleaning... and it is cheap!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I just picked up a great rat cage at a yardsale for $15 that will be perfect for my four incoming buff orp chicks. I want to get it good and clean, because I don't know what happened to the animal that lived in it previously. Is there any particular cleaner I should use, (or not use?). Should I use bleach and water- what's a good formula? Or does it not matter as long as I rinse it well?

Is the cage metal or plastic? If metal, what kind of metal? How long do you have before you need it to be occupied by the birds?