SANITATION
All areas in an animal facility should be cleaned and disinfected on a regular schedule. This will help control disease within the colony and will reduce odor. It is recommended that rabbit rooms be mopped every day with an approved disinfectant solution.
The USDA requires weekly cleaning of troughs or pans under wire or mesh rabbit caging floors. The entire cage must be cleaned and sanitized with 180 degree F. water or treated with a disinfectant solution at least once a month. Most facilities clean fecal catch pans 3 times a week and sanitize the cages and racks at least every two weeks as recommended by the "Guide".
Rabbit urine has a high mineral content. Phosphates and carbonates of calcium and magnesium are commonly found as crystals in the urine. Deposits of these compounds appear on fecal catch pans and are called "urine scale". This scale is difficult to remove and must be dissolved by acid solutions.