How and when to clean tank after cagemate's death??

[ljoly]

Hello, just writing to ask about cage cleaning procudures after a cagemate's passing. It has been about a week since Quint passed (of kidney cancer AND a bladder infection it turns out- poor little thing). Max is doing a bit better but still not quite himself. Before all of this I booked 10 days away starting Aug. 7th, and Max will have to board at the vet's for most of that time, so I would like him settled before I go. Max and Quint lived in a permanent split tank and topper after they fought in April. Max is still in the 20 gallon long split tank (and topper) with both his and Quint's original bedding. I have the entrance to Quint's side of the tank blocked up because Max didn't like going down there and it seemed to bother him. I would like to eventually move Max back into their 20 gallon tall tank with fitted topper that they lived in before I had to split them. So, how should I proceed? Should I slowly remove Quint's bedding and then clean Max's side, and then move him into the new tank? Or should I clean Max's bedding first (because it has been at least 3 weeks since the last cleaning), and still leave Quint's in for a bit longer? I guess I am asking how to do this over the next 3 weeks in the least traumatic way possible? Thank you.

[Demonic Hope]

I personally do a total cage clean after a companions passing. I find that it keeps them from looking for their friend. So I would give everything a good clean with vinegar.

[ljoly]

Thank you for your thoughts. I have heard some say they do a total cleaning and other's say they leave it for a bit. About 2 days after Quintus died I did a full vacuuming of the play area and threw out anything (papers, boxes) Quintus had peed on. When I let Max out for playtime he became really aggrivated. Frantic, breathing hard, chirping- for a full hour. It was awful and heartbreaking. The next day was similar behaviour so I brought out some stuff with Quint's smell and he was calmer. Because of that I am reluctant to do a quick cage-change.