Smelly Cage! - Paw Talk

Leona · #1 10-02-2004, 09:56 AM

My PD Roger has a very large cage, its about 5 feet tall and could probably feet atleast 3 full grown adults inside.
http://www.martinscages.com/images/full/pdf-450.jpg

We clean his cage regularly which includes taking the cage down to the quarter carwash to spray it down but the cage still smells aweful.

My only thought is that the cage is made with an uncoated galvanized steel, and that the urine is actually "soaking" into the metal.

I'm thinking of switching to this cage, which is PVC coated:
http://www.martinscages.com/images/full/fne-480.jpg

Does anyone think this will make a bigger difference in smell?

**Scarlette** · #2 10-02-2004, 12:13 PM

You have the same cage as I do except mine is the shorter version.

I have never had a problem with my cage smelling and I have 2 females in it. I clean it about once a week and I have 2 pieces of wood on the middle floor to protect their feet. My girls usually go to the bottom of the cage when they pee but they have went pee on the wood a few times and I haven't noticed a smell from that either. I'm wondering if maybe your pd has a bladder/urinary tract infection that is making his urine smell strong?

How often do you change the bedding in the bottom of the cage?

Just a heads up for you: Please be careful with that top balcony. One of my girls got their leg hung up on it and luckily I was home at the time to rescue her. She was literally hanging upside down by her leg. I removed the entire top balcony and I put a pvc tube under the bottom one to provide a "step" incase they decide they are too lazy to use the ramp.

Chinchilla_Girl · #3 10-02-2004, 12:16 PM

What kind of bedding do each of you use? Could be that a certain kind works better than others? Just a thought

**Scarlette** · #4 10-02-2004, 12:19 PM

I use kiln dried pine chips.

Leona · #5 10-02-2004, 01:36 PM

I haven't had any problems with that top balconey, but I definetly see where the risk is.

How would i know if my PD has a urinary track infection? I personally don't think he does, he receives an excellent diet (practically eats better than me!), and he drinks alot of water, which is freshly changed. And has no signs of being uncomfortable when going to the bathroom.

Unlike your girls my boy dog (Roger), doesn't go to the bottom of the cage when he has to go to the bathroom. I think he is kind of lazy. He sleeps on the top floor of the cage, and I notice at night, when he is very sleepy, instead of walking to the bottom of the cage, he just goes pee in the corner of the top of the cage, with is eyes closed.

For bedding I use that Corn Cob stuff, as I heard that the pine chips can cause respitory problems.

I am hoping to resolve this soon, even if it means buying a new cage for him. He is a wonderful pet, and a very happy prairie dog. He is very well behaved in and out of the cage, and loves playing with the cats.

**Scarlette** · #6 10-03-2004, 01:46 PM

Maybe try switching your type of bedding. If you don't feel comfortable using pine chips, maybe try "Yesterday's News" or whatever the name is....it's basically recycled newspaper and I've heard good things about it. I wanted to try it but it's not available within a 100 mile radius of my house.

I know that cedar chips are definitley bad for any small animal and can cause respiratory problems (but I'm sure you already know that

)

Leona · #7 10-03-2004, 04:38 PM

Yes, I think I will try switching to some other kind of beding.

I also emailed Martin's Cages regarding the powder coating. They said that they normally don't like to powder coat PD Cages because of the chewing which just wears of the powder coating, so the cage does not last as long. My PD might be ok with it, he really does not chew that much compared to what I have read from other PD owners.

They also said to try washing the cage with either a Clorox rinse, Nilodor cage cleaner, peroxide or white vinegar.*All would reduce smell. I will try this with my next cage washing.

Crazy Chin Lady · #8 10-03-2004, 06:26 PM

I e-mailed Martin's cages about the pvc coating as well. This was for my chins. They told me the exact same thing. I have seen some chew marks from the chins, but I know they haven't been eating it.

Like Scarlette said, maybe try a pelleted litter? I know there's Aspen Supreme that makes a pelleted litter, as well as Yesterday's News or Good Mews.

Or, maybe even try something like Carefresh or Pet's Preference??

Dallas · #9 10-10-2004, 06:01 PM

The only thing I put in my cage is hay, and then more hay. I also have a big dog bowl with yesterdays news for a potty. My cage never smells. You can try spraying the cage down with white vinegar, letting it sit, then wiping it all off with a sponge. There could be urine crystals on the metal.