RCReptiles.com

[hhmoore]

Not surprisingly, much of the preliminary search consisted of either manufacturer or distributor information (read: hype). I haven't had much time to investigate, but here are a few things I found -

[NickMyers03]

[hhmoore]

[deborahbroadus]

[hhmoore]

It was all so much easier before I came into your world, wasn't it Deb?
(actually, you came into mine...but that is just splitting hairs, lol)

Chlorhexidine gluconate is a good product - when used properly (fresh solution, appropriate dilutions, not mixed with detergents, allowing necessary contact time, etc). It is also pretty darned safe.

Vanodine, at first glance, looks pretty good, too. Look at the post with which I responded to your query about it - toward the end, I listed a bunch of microbes/pathogens. I capitalized, bolded, and highlighted the word ineffective to get an important point across, but just before that was a phrase that I underlined: At that concentration. According to the page I linked, Vanodine IS effective against those pathogens...but, in many cases, it took a 3x stronger solution (1:80 vs 1:250). The questions that remain unanswered for us (somebody, somewhere, may know them) are what contact time is needed and if those stronger concentrations are safe for contact & extended use. Personally, I'm not sure how I feel about the staining of tubs, bowls, etc...but, if there is no harmful residue, that is strictly aesthetic.

The degree of disinfection needed/desired can be related to many factors. Obviously, with an established collection, you can breathe quite a bit easier, and take a somewhat less aggressive approach. Some of the bugs I listed are actually found in the g.i. tracts of our animals - but, given the right circumstances, they can cause problems. Aahhhhh, I can feel the minds pulling it together...yes, they're opportunistic pathogens. They cause problems when the host's immune system is diminished, the population explodes, or there is transmission to an area they don't belong. Healthy animals & good routine cleaning/husbandry are pretty much all that is required to keep them in check. I think it is probably widely accepted/understood that adding animals to our groups makes them vulnerable. For this reason, proper quarantine is a hot topic - it won't necessarily prevent issues with the new arrivals, but the focus is on isolating those problems & preventing them from spreading to your other animals. That is the reason that I routinely use stronger products on quarantine items - I just don't know what might be there, and I want/NEED to make sure it isn't given a chance to get any further.

Yes, I do give everything an occasional serious disinfection - in the case of my cages, it is usually only once or twice a year. Why so infrequently? They are in the same place, with the same animals, and not exposed to anything. As long as there are no issues, routine is appropriate. As I explained in chat, though, tubs and waterbowls are a different story. I don't hold to strict tub assignments (this is THIS snake's tub). I have groups in 12 qt, 15 qt, 28 qt, 32 qt, and 41 qt. Any of the 12 qt tubs (for example) can be used for any animal in that group, so they are given more frequent serious disinfections - keep in mind that I keep a few spares to facilitate the process, so I may change out 4-5 tubs, clean them, then continue. Sometimes it is easier to set a tub aside for real cleaning than to deal with it with chlorhexidine & paper towels. Or, if there is something that warrants attention - say, loose stool - that tub gets the real deal, and the space gets marked for me to observe.
I only wipe waterbowls clean a couple times before they go for a bleach bath & scrub - too many nasties can grow in there.

Obviously, the bigger the collection, the more we look for ways to make our work more efficient. With one or two animals, it is easy to do everything meticulously. Jump to 15-20, and routines change. Get to 50, and there are still more differences. Hopefully, one does not get to that point (or beyond) without the drive to still take proper care of the animals. I don't have a huge collection, but I still don't necessarily spot clean everything every day (I admit it). Some animals, I won't even spot clean - its all or nothing (actually, that depends on the animal AND the setup...paper substrate does not lend itself well to good spot cleaning, IMO). When I get the rest of my world squared away, and I can dump my second job, I'll happily divert most of my newly found time back to my animals (donations toward my financial well-being, and, therefore, to the health and welfare of my animals, will be graciously accepted - contact me for paypal info )
Ah, back on topic...what I was getting at was that a bunch of us feel your pain, Deb. We want the ideal products, not just for our own sake, but for our animals. In the meantime, we make do with what we have, and devise a routine that works for us. Obviously, we may have varied ideas on how to approach things, but comparing notes would be boring otherwise.
(and I hope you really understood that I was mostly playing with you in chat the other day...I tend to zoom in on, and target, little discrepancies like that)

[GrayKat97]

[deborahbroadus]

[GrayKat97]

When mixed properly, Nolvasan S can be used, not only for cleaning, but also as a flush for wounds that have abscessed, to sterilize surgical instruments, and other than being drying, I've never had a problem with it on my skin or hands.

Just wanted to set your mind at ease.

(you're right about the undiluted stuff though)

[deborahbroadus]

Harald, given that you are the undisputed wiz at reading and translating the mumbo-jumbo surrounding chemicals..can you tell me if this is any good?

http://www.disifin.co.uk/products/disinfectants/animal-pets-vets/

[hhmoore]

Deb,
As you know, I just recently saw this...
I have done some looking, but still need some more stuff.
Based on a preliminary look, and my impression of the way you do things, it might not be the best choice for you - It is definitely one of those USE AS DIRECTED kind of products.
It does look interesting, but some variables might not make it a viable option for general usage. Details to follow soon, once I have a chance to look through some of the more detailed info.
(just wanted you to know I wasn't forgetting)