What is Reddit's opinion of
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 162)?
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116 reviews of this product found across Reddit:
This is the cage I got for mine. It's a little pricey but it's great quality, metal and solid. Also very easy to assemble and clean with the way both doors on each level open up. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=bmx_i2814f1n_1/138-9088593-0936157?pd_rd_w=ZikYz&pf_rd_p=1f75fbb3-7d95-464f-8182-952155c0316b&pf_rd_r=VXJZYWA78JHW8B6CVGBD&pd_rd_r=fa9b4324-5134-4fec-96c8...
We have this cage or one very similar: Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_1RNV3Y1703XVM2TSN8EF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The pans avoid the issues of bumblefoot but we still pad it out with fleece. Our rats chew through the fleece so we end up buying more pretty regularly but it’s plenty of space for our 4 rattos :)
A 2 story critter nation should be plenty. You can officially add a 3rd story no problem if 2 isn't enough. Or connect 2 or more side by side.
A 2 story CN Cage is ~$250.
Edit: Apparently they've gone up a bit ($300) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_6GMW5HA8MRT2V5G6NR41
Hopefully your local shippers aren't trash and kick yours off the back of the truck....
Critter Nation. Sturdy, large (especially if you get the double), easy to clean. Got mine second hand for around $80.
Here's a link so you know what it looks like: https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr\_1\_2?dchild=1&keywords=critter+nation&qid=1626655904&sr=8-2
No worries and I appreciate your concern and input! We’re keeping the pets separate, because honestly I’m not emotionally ready for a new dog yet since I had to put my Great Pyrenees (Prince) down in February. This dog is mostly my dads and he’s retired so he’s here most of the day.
The cats and the rats are mine, but the cats pretty much just stay in my room on the opposite side of the house to my dad’s room (where the dog stays.) I have a gate separating the small hallway into my part of the house (two bedrooms and a bathroom,) but I’m going to get one with a cat door soon. We’re also going to crate train the dog so he won’t just be loose when no one is here. My rats are in a Critter Nation in the living room so I’m not worried about them since I would never just put them near the dog outside of the cage.
The cage is a two level critter nation, sometimes branded as a ferret nation. The bars are coated and chew resistant and the doors come off to make it easier to work on the insides. Overall we are very happy with it. We got ours from amazon on sale with free shipping.
This is the one we purchased, but paid closer to $180 at the time. They are somewhat modular as far as adding levels and laying out the insides.
Midwest Critter Nation Animal Habitat with Stand, Double Unit, 36 Inches by 24 Inches by 63 Inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_Dthsub0KHMHXE
The double unit Critter Nation is about 22 cubic feet. That's half the size of what you and you're cute little article suggest as the *smallest possible* cage. The bar spacing is 1/2 inch (1.27 cm).
It's always good to have backups of things! If you ever need to wash a bowl/bottle, you can just put up the spare in the meantime. I put one bottle on each level of my DCN - so two total in the cage at all times. I have probably 8 bottles total, one for traveling, one to keep at my SO's house, one really big one for when I had five boys.
That cage looks like it would be an adequate size for two rats, but it does look like it will be a huge pain in the ass to clean and set up/tear down. It looks like you only have a couple little doors to reach through. I find that it's much easier to clean when you have access to the entire cage. I always recommend the DCN. It is major bang for the buck, easy to break down/put up, piece of cake to clean, lots of room for activities, and the platforms are plastic - not bars - so fleece is super easy to put around them and bumble foot is like not even something to worry about at all. http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
Seconding what u/Scrap51 says about wood flooring. If you want something solid instead of fleece, try linoleum tiles. You can take them out and clean them really easily.
That being said, a couple points about that cage. It looks like it's going to be a pain in the butt to put up/tear down and CLEAN. It looks like it only has the one small door down on the bottom level, which means a couple things - you can't reach into the top to get your ratties if you need to, and when you clean things out you will have to snake your arm through the levels to get to the top.
Easily, the best cage on the market is the critter nation u/Scrap51 mentioned. You have total access to every inch of the cage because the doors open completely, which makes it A+ easy to clean. Additionally, the levels have plastic floors so there's no real concern about bumblefoot. If you can't dish out the price for the Double Critter Nation, they also sell single units for approximately half the price, which would be sufficient space for two rats. I can guarantee that you will love a critter nation cage. Here's a link! http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
Got it. The Critter Nation comes with very shallow plastic pans. They're definitely not 2.36" deep. I'm not sure what cage you were looking at but I wouldn't recommend it without seeing a link.
The actual Critter Nation is a fantastic cage, though. In order to use a loose substrate (for digging and such), you'd have to get a deeper pan for the base. There are lots of options, though. Modding a CN is pretty common and you can find lots of info online about it.
As for your main question, a pan that is 2 to 3 inches deep is fine but it isn't going to hold much bedding and it will get kicked out a little bit. Providing an additional dig box would be beneficial.
I highly recommend looking at the critter nation cage, it isn’t sold as a bird cage. But has 3/4 inch bar spacing, horizontal bars to hang things, doors that open all the way at the front, wheels, storage under, super sturdy, the tray slides out to be easily cleaned, great size as it’s wide, and WAY cheaper than cages advertised for birds. Also you can buy an add on part and make the cage double tall if you want it bigger. I can’t stop recommending it to everyone because it’s a great great option for bang for your buck. Critter Nation Cage Amazon
As a temporary cage it'll be fine. Following the 2.5 cubic feet per rat rule, you could accommodate two rats, but for them to truly thrive I would highly recommend a bigger cage. Sometimes you can find gently used cages on craigslist or facebook marketplace, you would just need to disinfect it before setting up for your rats. Although expensive, this cage is considered to be the best and is currently on sale for $120 off.
We were in the exact same scenario, then we found the CritterNation Midwest Double on sale today :) I think it's on both Amazon and Chewy (if you wanted any more points in favor of the upgrade
what’s your budget? If you’ve got the money to spend, I’d recommend the double critter nation cage. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sxts_rp_s_a_1_0?content-id=amzn1.sym.9cb06d61-cbae-4109-9d1e-14578fae3d41%3Aamzn1.sym.9cb06d61-cbae-4109-9d1e-14578fae3d41&crid=27MORHKGG0US3&cv_ct_cx=double+...
I bought this exact cage last week for my IRN and it’s genuinely great for any small sized birds. It’s huge and good quality; nearly as tall as me (i’m 5’11) and quite wide as well. It’s completely worth the money in my opinion. (make sure you don’t get ferret nation and critter nation mixed up! the bar spacing on the ferret nation is far too large for any small bird)
Yeah this is made for rabbits, could be used for guinea pigs too but really this type of cage is best- good amount of space and the bar spacing won't allow for escapes :)
All I can find on ferret nation is a double unit cage for $310 :/. I want something pretty tall (preferably ~50 inches tall) but can’t seem to find anything like that for less than $200
Defo critter nation or ferret nation by Midwest pet homes I know it’s a little pricey but it is SO worth it. You can customize it completely and it is huge and absolutely amazing. This is going to be the response from pretty much everybody.
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_TJ3YHPPQXAYCTP85M7NH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 I recommend also looking on Craigslist or any reselling sights for this cage, people will sell them for a lot cheaper there.
Oh to add on, I dooon't have a link for the King's cage,
But here's a link for the critter nation. You can definitely find used ones online, though!
Lol obligatory "Not OP" but these are Midwest Critter Nations. They've removed one of the sides to combine more of them together into a super rat mansion cage ;)
I would suggest getter my a bigger cage such as critter nation or ferret nation cage. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=2644QPQ3D5OY1&keywords=ferret+nation+cage&qid=1639418521&sprefix=ferret+%2Caps%2C81&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkU... it might be more expensive but I highly recommend also it is much easier to clean but it’s more room for both of the ferrets :)
They have the biggest cage I could find, and they actually free roam around the house.
They are 3 now, by the way. On a diet without animal products.
If you’re willing to spend that much, you can easily get a Critter Nation. Everyone loves those and even a single is enough room for three rats, but a double story would give you room to grow your colony if you wanted to in the future.
It’s the double critter nation. I very much lucked into it, my plan had been to get a single and then eventually expand to the double.
You can find it new here: Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_AYP0K5VBA4Y4DAHVPHV4
One I would definitely recommend is the critter Nation on Amazon it is a little pricey but is really nice (here's the link https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY?pd_rd_w=lbA3c&pf_rd_p=fa602f5a-9bb2-4470-9137-ba5fba954279&pf_rd_r=27QYCVEEGES7N86MSBDW&pd_rd_r=bc31dd1b-1112-43e6-8864-def31aa9d16e&pd_rd_wg=EdBP3&pd...)
Another vouch for the double critter nation! Cage is spacious, durable, and best of all super easy to clean. It's expensive but the best there is, as far as I can tell. If the price is prohibitive, you could get away with just the single critter nation for two rats and have the option of buying the second story as an add-on later.
This is a critter nation, generally the most popular cage for rats/small mammals. There is also the option to buy a smaller one (single size, this is the double) for a little bit cheaper. They are high quality and offer a good about of space.
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_66S75CPTZBH25N6141GY?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have a MidWest Deluxe Critter Nation for my lovebird. It’s a two story rabbit/rat/ferret etc cage, just leave out the middle floor and smaller platforms when putting it together. Half inch bar spacing and the cage dimensions are 3 feet wide by 2 feet deep by 4 feet tall. It is very sturdy and the doors are large (the entire front can open up), which makes cleaning very easy.
Edit: don’t get it confused with the Ferret Nation Cage by the same company. That one has 1” bar spacing.
Bars should be no more than 1/2" apart. I personally just got two bird cages and cut the top off of one, bottom off of the other, and stacked/ziptied them into what my boyfriend calls "Noodle Castle" lol
If you're not trying to get that crazy, the Double Critter Nation cages are extremely popular. You can also add more of them to the top until you feel like it's enough!
It’s this one! Idk if it’s cheaper elsewhere. It’s the Critter Nation cage. The Ferret Nation cage by the same company has vertical bars with 1” spacing, while the Critter Nation (this one) has horizontal bars with 1/2” spacing.
The bottom is just a 2x3 foot cement mixing tub from Home Depot. I just shoved it in there after I put the cage together sans floor piece. It took some work to get it in but I’m happy with it. Alternatively you could use the floor tray it comes with. I just wanted something deeper to deter her from throwing food out lol
This cage kinda looks like a single unit Critter Nation but it's actually tiny. It's one of the smallest rat cages on the market. Besides the fact that the bar spacing is too wide for rats, it's just too small.
This is not the cage for you.
I left off the side panels where the cages come together and used zipties to connect them. Here is an Amazon link for one double tall cage. Although one cage would be plenty of space for two girls. I have 15 boys and girls in this quad cage.
get him something like his so he has lots of room to jump around in. but replace the plastic ledges with wood ones you can find online. they will chew stuff and plastic is a big no no.
This one has been recommended here a few times. I got it and feel like its a good amount of room for my 2 boys. Its safe and has horizontal bars, which makes for easier and more comfortable climbing.
It's modular so you can stack them up to 3 high easily with the add on for more space.
I've had mine for just over 2 years now and am still very happy with it.
Here is the Amazon link. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_TfPUAbRHSWJEN#immersive-view_1522176515846
We are just missing the ramps we just plan on making some.
We got it for free so that's why we didn't complain they ramps were missing.
I feel like the wires on this cage are way too far apart without a cover and when your chin is jumping around she may get caught between two wires and break her delicate little paw. Like other people have said I would recommend at the very least adding a punch of non-oiled pine ledges to jump and chew on and fleece covers to have a flatter running space. I know it’s pricey but you may want to look into a Critter Nation cage or something similar as they need lots of space to run around and jump. Also adding a wheel would be fantastic but something with at least a 15” diameter is needed otherwise they will develop back problems from constantly bending their backs.
Good start though I love your chin!
No problem! Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation We’ve modified it quite a bit.
The material is no-pill fleece we got from a fabric store and cut to fit. We use dog pee pads under the fleece for extra absorbency.
If you're ordering and willing to pay $300, you might want to look at the Critter Nation cages. They're built like tanks, easy to clean, and seem to be considered the gold standard for rat cages. I got one with a different brand name (but exact same construction) at a PetsMart.
How much?
I have this for my three girls
They either love sleeping on the top in their hammocks or on the bottom in the igloo, that one looks like you can throw more hammocks and hanging things in there vs mine
These are the exact cages we have. The two story and the single story. I don't know if they are any good for birds or not, we had pet rats.
Amazon has the Midwest Critter Nation cage, probably the most popular among all rat owners, you can buy it in either single or double story, and if you get a single story one you can buy an add on unit later to turn it into a double story. https://www.amazon.co.uk/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
Edit: Theres also plenty of other good rat cages on Amazon, just check the details section to make sure the bar spacing is half an inch
I went with the aspen shavings for bedding and wound up getting this cage for them. I figured since they'll be in it forever I should spend a bit more on it.
I think it's great that you're working to figure out an upgrade!
The link you provided is not for a cage. It's actually just for the fabric covers for the plastic trays. Here's the link to the actual cage on Amazon.
The Critter Nation is available in the UK but it's an import so it's often a little more expensive than other options.
It's closest cousin is the Savic Royal Suite 95. The Savic cage looks very well made and (imo) has some features that make it superior in some ways to the Critter Nation.
Other similar cages include the Aventura and Liberta 2. They don't look to be as well designed as the Savic or Critter Nation to me but I'm sure they're excellent cages.
While all of these cages can comfortably house up to 8-10 rats, two rats would love a mansion as luxurious as any of these.
-edit- wrong link
Got mine off amazon when they had it covered by prime shipping. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475649278&sr=8-1&keywords=critter+nation
The price fluctuates a bit so shop around.
Don't get the Ferret Nation, get the Critter Nation. It's the same thing but designed specifically for small animals like rats. It has horizontal bars that are closer together that the rats can climb among other things.
I've had three cages and Critter Nation is the best by far.
it has two floors but there is a pan and floor with a cutout in a corner that leads between floors. i have the pan positioned to blobk the hole so my chins will be seperated. my girl attacks the boy on site. we bought him after our old boy died of pnumonia cause she looked sad. tried all the introduction method stuff but she hates him so they needed to be seperated.
here is the cage. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ0DAY/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
No, No, sort of. The first two have too large of bar spacing at 1in and .8in. On the first, rats could chew through the pan since they have direct access to it. The second's wire floor could be covered with some tiles or towels, but there's a review that details a rat chewing their way out.
The third is a little small, but would be alright for a pair of girls. Its shelves are small, and you'd need to cover the wiring for their feet, but it doesn't seem like a bad cage for 50 bucks. Might be better for a quarantine or pregnant rat isolation cage, I'm thinking.
Another option, though more expensive, is the MidWest Critter Nation single level. Amazon carries it for 127, but its been cheaper on some other sites occasionally. Its a fairly popular cage for rats and you can always buy the addon level later to double the size.
I had a cage that petco told me could hold rats, but they figured out how to get out after a few weeks. I decided on covering it in chicken wire and tying the panels down and whatnot. This was months ago and I still have no finished it because chicken wire is atrocious to work with. I would honestly recommend getting a different cage. I've collected 3 large cages to link together and chicken wire together, but Im officially giving up and dropping the $175 for a critter nation (theyre at an all time low on amazon http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1447526551&sr=8-1&keywords=critter+nation+rat+cage)
If you have a way other than chicken wire it may be worth looking into, but I couldn't think of anything
Best of luck!
Its a Critter Nation. I got mine on super sale at PetSmart after coveting it for an eternity. You can get them for a little over $200 on amazon. There's other similar brands, but they're not necessarily any cheaper or better. I like that the doors open all the way on this one for easy cleaning, and the two halves are easy to separate if I so choose.
One thing that really helped my guy was getting more time out to play. Different toys that provide him lots of stimulation. Cat balls with bells inside, tunnels of different kinds, that big ferret roll about ball (NOT an exercise ball, this one has open holes all over it where you can connect tunnels to it, etc.), crackly things, a plush alligator and an octopus he can go in and out of. He has stuffed animals he likes to play with (you have to be careful to use the kind with no hard parts-- stitching for eyes instead of those black bead things, and only stuffing as filling instead of any small beads).
Another thing is to take him by the scruff and just gently pull him about a foot along whatever surface he's on. Otherwise, don't react to the biting in any way (yelling, pulling away, etc). Ferrets are a little nippy and are chewers by nature. I just keep socks and pajama pants on so my guy's little nips don't really bother me.
If he is actually biting, make sure that he has the proper lifestyle. Plenty of exercise time and a large enough cage (I can't tell what you have there, so just in case... ferret cages are generally something like this, multi level and quite tall and wide). Make sure that he is getting a proper diet-- feed him either raw or a mix of 2-3 of the foods in the kibble comparison chart that's on the sidebar (with the exception of wysong ferret epigen 90-- the formula was changed on that and it has been blamed for the deaths of many ferrets... they have a new digestive support one, but I still don't trust it and my guy will not eat it).
We have two of those cages - and only one bottom between them after Margarat chewed an escape tunnel in the first one. We got a dual Critter Nation (non-affiliate Amazon link) for Xmas, but we really liked the All Living Things cages and keep them as a backup.
As for names ... For cuteness how about Wheezer and Spud? For eccentricity, I am thinking Attentive or Vigil, and Atlantis or Endeavor. Hmm ... No, no. Ooh, how about Copernicus and Galileo?
Yea, I'm gonna be straight with you (And this is out of love, not hate I swear)
Sugar gliders are NOT easy pets, I have on multiple occasions, and mean it when I say my human child is easier than my suggies to take care of.
Firstly, what's done is done, shame on the store for selling them singular and saying they were easy (And kitten kibble wtf, NO)
And as you already know, shame on you for not doing your research first, but the fact is you've reached out for help, and that's a good thing
Firstly, I would suggest you ask yourself are you really ready for this commitment, because if you aren't, thats okay (You weren't technically signing up for it at the time) - And maybe the best course of action for you is to rehome your glider rather than patch up this mess.
But if you're really sure you want to do this, firstly, you need to change the food, even if you start with sugar glider kibble for a few days, you need to instantly be putting them on appropriate food, along with fruits and veggies.
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this is the proper diet however (https://www.thesprucepets.com/bml-diet-for-sugar-gliders-5105257)
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Secondly, you MUST get a friend, probably go back and try and get the other glider if you can, they must be heartbroken from being separated, (Although make sure they aren't male/female, because if so you'll wanna get the male neutured)
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Thirdly, obtain an exotic vet, this is easier said than done, not many vets see Sugar Gliders, some people on this page I have seen traveling over 4hours to see their vet, I am fortunate to only need to travel 1hour. So seek out a vet, if there even is one that specializes in sugar gliders.
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Whilst their vet bills are few and far between (A yearly visit + visits as needed, they don't need vaccines and such). They can be expensive (Mine are $150 per glider per visit not including any tests, or additionals) Are you ready to handle that cost?
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Toys and cage size, I myself am guilty of having a cage too small (My bigger one is on the way!) https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY this is the one most recommended,
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You need lots of toys, and the ability to rotate them (change them every month) To keep them from being bored and depressed, I tell you one "toy run" to the store can put me out $100 easily, toys are expensive,
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They will pee and poop on you. You can't untrain this, this is just what they do, are you okay with being peed and pooped on?
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You need to handle, pester, annoy your sugar glider daily. I put my hands in the cage all the time to hand treats, to pet them, just so they're used to my scent and my touch. (Although I only get them "out" at night time to play in a mesh tent) https://www.amazon.com/KSLS-Folding-Mosquito-Canopy-Curtains/dp/B0853B9SFZ/ref=sr_1_38?dchild=1&keywords=pop+up+mesh+tent&qid=1624453609&sr=8-38
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you'll want a tent like this for them to play in which keeps them safe, means you can interact with them, but they can't accidentally run away from you,
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Bonding pouch, this is probably a big need for you right now, have them in a bonding pouch and wear them all day, this gets them used to you, I tend to talk/whisper to them through the pouch, stroke them through the pouch.
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Treats, treats, lots of special treats https://www.amazon.com/Nectar-Pods-Variety-Pack-Calcium-Fortified/dp/B07S4NS7RG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=sugar+glider+jello+pod&qid=1624453744&sr=8-2
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treats that they only get when YOU are handling them, so they associate you with being a good thing
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as a TLDR:
Change diet immediately: https://www.thesprucepets.com/bml-diet-for-sugar-gliders-5105257
Get a second glider. Of the same sex (unless you can neuter the other, otherwise you'll have a ton of sugar gliders on your hands)
Find a local EXOTIC pet vet that specializes in sugar gliders.
get ready for late nights as suggies are nocturnal and play at night time
Pocket Pets has a bad rap in the glider community. I know some people have gotten great gliders from them but tons have gotten sick ones. Pocket Pets gets gliders from mill breeders mostly and then sells them to people.
Honestly the price range they gave you is insane. A standard glider without any hets goes for around 100 to 250 bucks. With lineage its a bit more. The different color ones get to be a bit pricey depending on what you want and the genetics of said glider.
Prices for cages for gliders can have a range from 150 to 400 bucks. My favorite cage happens to be the double critter nation. Don't mistake it for the ferret nation cage as the bar spacing is different and it matters. The double critter nation cage is 300 USD on Amazon. You can find people selling for much cheaper on craiglist or other sites sometimes.
Also Texas is like the "hub" of glider activity, same with Florida. The Pet Glider is located in Texas, as well as a crazy amount of breeders that I've noticed. I don't know about breeders down in Florida but I do know more pet places carry them down there.
Lastly if you have a Facebook join some of the glider groups and watch for people that post about their babies. Be careful of scams as apparently those are prevalent in the glider community as well. I do know some breeders off hand. Critter Love, which has an amazing owner. She created a diet for gliders thats scientifically tested for them. She also sells joeys too that are absolutely adorable. The next person I know of is on Facebook which her page is called Glory's Gliders. She has beautiful black beauties. I'm going to get one from her one day. I imagine her gliders are expensive though. You will need to message her to get a price. For Critter Love, they have a website that shows the gliders pricing if she has any available.
yup that makes tons of sense i was just to excited to think lol why i posted here. im getting https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_13EWV2AKY1KJJF1HACY2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 now
There is quite a bit of info out there. I recommend watching a few youtube videos. If you type in "pet rats" there's a channel called "Howcast" that will pop up with different types of advice. There are also a lot of forums out there.
That aside, I'll try to answer as much as I can for you and in order of your questions. (If you want really specific health advice after you've gotten your rats, I recommend talking to a vet or knowledgeable breeder.)
1) Choosing the sex depends on what you personally prefer, so look at the pros and cons. Boys have a bit more of a "muskier" scent and they will wrestle and box for dominance. However, aggression can be treated by castrating them. They also get very lazy as adults, which can be perfect for cuddling. They don't like to climb as much as females, so a cage with more floor space is preferred. Girls like to climb, so tall cages are preferred. Girls will continue to be energetic until very old age, so they are great for playing with. They don't really smell, unless you haven't cleaned the cage in a long time. Girls will also fight for dominance, but make friends much easier if you want to introduce a new rat. Females can also be spayed, but this can be a dangerous and invasive procedure. Some people prefer to spayed their girls because they are at a higher risk of cancer, especially mammary tumors. Both sexes can be loving and fun if handled properly. So it depends on if you want slightly smellier, lazier cuddle machines? Or energetic girls? (This all depends on personality type too - I have a female rat who is sometimes very lazy and cuddly.)
2) You can get a cage online easily - A future rat owner should research size, bar spacing, and price. Here is a calculator you can use: http://www.rattycorner.com/odds/calc.shtml Each rat needs about 2 to 2.5 cubic feet of space. And never ever just get one rat! They are extremely social animals and will become lonely and depressed if left alone. Giving them a buddy is extremely important. It's even better if their cagemate(s) is/are from the same litter. (Familiarity decreases the likelihood of stress.) Rat cages can be difficult to choose, since the big ferret cages have good amounts of space, but the bar spacing is too wide. Any space more than a half an inch wide is too big. Small females can easily squeeze through and escape between bar spacing an inch wide. Smaller cages (like hamster cages) have good bar spacing, but are way too small for rats. And really properly good rat cages can get very expensive! You need to find a good middle-ground. The cage is going to be the most important and most expensive investment you make when getting rats. I'd say somewhere between $100-$200 would be good for a decent rat cage (that can hold between 2-4 rats). Here is an example on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1477227234&sr=8-6&keywords=rat+cages
Also, if the cage has bar flooring, and not tray flooring, it is important to cover up the bars with trays or fleece. Walking on the bars all the time can cause injuries to their feet, including something called Bumblefoot (which you can google for more info).
If you get a cage and the bar spacing is too wide, you can DIY some chicken mesh wire around the cage (and fasten it with durable zip ties).
Use anti-dust bedding and litter. Rats have very sensitive lungs (and are prone to getting respiratory infections - also be careful of any sprays you use around the house, such as febreeze, and be wary of in-house flwoers and plants - rats can be allergic). I prefer to use fleece material for everything (I buy sheets of fleece at my local sewing/arts and crafts shop). Other types of bedding can go everywhere and become very messy, but this is also a personal choice.
3) Litter train them by putting their stray poos in the box, and rewarding them with a treat when you see them poo in the tray. There will mostly be a few stray poos here and there once in a while, but the majority of poos will go in the litter tray. You can also get most of their urination in the box too by putting rocks in it. Rats like to go wee on rocks for some reason. They will still pee in other places (mostly to mark territory or because they don't have time to get to the tray), but this shouldn't matter much since you should be deep-cleaning the cage once a week.
4) Do NOT deep clean the cage more than once a week - if the cage doesn't smell like them, they will pee more to compensate, which will make the cage smellier. Personally, I just sweep out the stray poos and uneaten food once every 2 days, and then deep clean once a week and this works just fine for me. To deep clean, use a small animal spray product that is "extra sensitive." You can also use extra sensitive baby wipes. I vacuum out the debris and put the fleece in the washing machine (either one rinse or with an extra sensitive detergent tablet). I also give the rats a quick bath once a month. They are generally very clean animals to begin with, so they don't really need to be bathed. Rinsing in warm water, or using a small dab of baby shampoo should be enough.
5) Bonds will form over time. They need to trust you. To them, you are a giant monster - and your hands reaching inside of the cage can be very scary. Don't try to pick them up from above (these are prey animals and will instinctively think of your hand as a predator). Always scoop them up with both hands up from under their butts. Feed them from your hands often and give them treats (mushy baby food on your hand is good because they can't take the treat and run, they will have to stay by your hand and eat from it). Never withhold normal meal times (I know this is an odd one, but I've heard of someone trying to get their rats to totally depend on them by doing this and you can risk them starving to death or being malnourished). Spend a lot of time with them. Let them explore their surroundings during free-roaming time (in a safe environment - no holes for getting stuck or lost, no electric cables for chewing) and let them come to you. Don't chase them (unless they're about to do something dangerous). When they become used to you, you can try wrestling and tickling them with your hand. I also have "cuddle time" with my rats. They lay on my lap while I sit at my kitchen table and do work at my computer. This isn't an energetic "free-roaming" time. This is more like an hour or two of taking a nap and letting me pet them. Different rats like different kinds of rubs. Mine like the top of their heads and cheek rubs. I also walk around the house with them on my shoulder.
6) I haven't introduced them to other animals before, so I can't really answer this question from experience. But I've seen videos of dogs and rats getting along. I'd be wary though. It might all depend on the personality of the dog.
7) Rats can eat just about anything that we can. It's more prudent to memorize what foods they CAN'T eat. Female rats can also eat certain foods that males can't eat, like mango and orange.
Here's one of many lists on the internet: http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?39486-Good-and-Bad-Food-for-Rats-amp-Ratty-Recipes
Sometimes the store-bought food bags can be okay, but some brands include foods for other types of small animals, such as dried corn, alfalfa, and pine. Avoid these types of food bags or pick them out of the mix.
Personally, I like to make my own mix for my rats' staple diet. I got the idea from this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4Csv3TL3YA
I give them veggies once a day and give red grapes as treats. Red grapes are known to have anti-cancer agents, so even though they have lots of sugar, giving them a grape a day is fine. My rats can be picky with their veggies - they like fresh raw broccoli, and frozen or fresh, cooked peas. I also give them kale about once or twice a week, and about a half of an avocado once a week (for 3 rats). Be careful not to give them the skin or pit of the avocado because it's very toxic to them, so prepare it well. Mine hate carrots, but I know other rats love carrots. So try different suitable foods and see which ones yours prefer.
Rats also need about 10% animal protien in their diet. I give them cleaned off chicken bones once in a while and I also put dried mealworms in their daily dry mix. Babies need a bit more protein in their diet than adults.
8) You'll get to know your rats pretty well, so anything that seems off about them can easily become apparent to you. Lift them up and feel around their stomachs for lumps. Check that their teeth aren't overgrowing and that they're chewing enough (get them chew toys). Check their feet for Bumblefoot. Listen to their breathing and make sure it's not raspy (this could be a sign of an infection) as well as if they're sneezing too much - this could be an illness or it could be allergies from their bedding, a spray, flowers, or dirt and dust.
I recommend taking to the vet for a checkup at least once or twice a year. If there's something off about them and you're worried, take them to the vet the next chance you get.
9) Extra advice? Rats fight. It's just part of how they determine heirarchy. The rule is, no blood = no foul. But if there IS blood, separate them immediately. Do NOT use your bare hands. Use a towel or oven mitt. This rule also applied to yourself and your hand. Rats will nibble in order to get to know new animals, people, and objects. Let the rats nibble your finger to get to know you. They might accidentally do it a bit too hard for your own comfort at first, (again, no blood = no foul), but as they get use to you, they will learn how much pressure is enough when they eat food off your hand.
If you have any more questions, let me know. :) I hope this helps
I wouldn't recommend that Kaytee cage.
The size is nice but the spacing between the bars is 1 inch. Young rats and smaller adult female rats will be able to squeeze between these bars. A 1 inch bar spacing is generally fine for adult male rats (>6 months).
Also, that style of plastic base can be chewed through by some rats. Some rats (not all) can be crazy plastic chewers.
A good cage for a pair of rats would be one that has a 1/2" bar spacing, cannot be chewed through to escape, and provides at least 5-6 fit^3 of interior space (the more the better, though).
My favorite cages for a pair of rats would be a powder coated Martin's cage (R-680 $105 + shipping or larger) or a single unit Critter Nation ($105). Martin's cages are smaller and lighter weight and can sit on top of a table, desk, or dresser. They're easier to transport and bring outside to scrub down. Critter Nation cages are massive. Like, massive-massive. The double unit cage (currently a really, really good price on Amazon $157) enormous but even the single is really quite huge. The whole front of the cage opens up, which is also a really nice feature. The problem is that they're huge and incredibly heavy and very difficult to take apart to move around or transport.
Other decent cages include the Rat Manor ($60) and the large Mcage ($60). Between these two cages, I lean toward the large Mcage because it's larger and has bigger doors but you would want to take out the stupid wire mesh floor on the bottom of the cage.
Yeah… that’s def too small for 3 of them. The best cage IMO is a Critter Nation cage.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_6ZQFF56C9BQ3A2GPTJJG
it looks like a critter nation. cant tell if its a single or double, but i bought mine on amazon:
There was a cage question I replied to about a month ago, I will just copy and paste what I wrote of my experience :)
​
I upgraded to the Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation Two Story https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ0DAY/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like the horizontal bars, its size, the flat floor, large doors, and that you can expand it. I can only recommend it if you are willing to work on it, as it can be hard to put together and dangerous otherwise.
If the pieces were perfect, it would not be hard to put together. But some of the connections were bent and needed to be straitened, had a bad weld that made a gap, so had to be creative and a second set of hands to get it into place. It is just a one time headache and your set might be better.
For sugar gliders, you will want to not add the middle floor section, not adding it exposes holes, and then there is holes for where you can add the adjustable shelves.
The dangerous part is the holes have sharp edges, so they need to be filed smooth. Also, the punched out bit is still in the holes on most of them. They can be removed with needle nose pliers. If this is not done, I would worry about a curious sugar glider loosing a finger or whole hand...
The one I had before was the HQ Flight Cage https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002UTZ040/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It is a little smaller, but still a descent size, it has bars on the bottom and slide out floor under it, so with a bit of newspaper (or what ever you prefer) it was easy to clean it, the smaller doors can be an advantage if you have have trouble keeping the gliders inside when you open it.
I had it for three years, the main reason I replaced it is I did not like the vertical bars, even though I never had an issue, I worried about it hurting their feet, as they always slid down on the bars a bit and with the bars on the bottom, they did not have much flat ground to stand on. I also wanting something a bit larger.
Other wise, it was a great cage. It was easy to put together and the only adjustment I had to make was to zip tie shut the little bird doors on the top of it.
I looked into both cages, before getting them, to make sure they were not coated with anything toxic to sugar gliders, which is the main issue with cheap bird cages.
that is way to expensive for how small it looks (though I didnt see dimensions listed which is a huge red flag) also my gliders have NEVER had a problem with vertical bars in the 4 years I have had them.
If horizontal bars are a must for you there are much nicer cages with bars also the tunnels are pointless an d there are much better ways to add environmental enrichment.
all of these cages are nice: https://www.exoticnutrition.com/Departments/Shop-By-Category/Cages/Sugar-Glider-Cages.aspx https://www.thepetglider.com/collections/sugar-glider-cages-accessories https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY <<the double critter nation is a good size and has horizontal bars
Also, knowing how shady pocket pets is I would never ever recommend supporting them.
I think its an double CritterNation, I have a single one and its perfect! https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY
you're better off going for the deluxe critter nation which is about 10$ more (with the tax they add it both are going to come close to 300$ anyway). its doors open fully making cleaning and decorating a breeze, its on wheels and all of its platforms and ramps are solid so no worrying about bumblefoot even if you don't put the covers on. DNC is basically THE BEST critter cage on the market so if you're going to spend that much anyway its the one you want to get. I have it and i can tell you it is awesome!
DNC can hold up to 12 rats according to my breeder.
It's a double unit Critter Nation.
The double critter nation small animal cage is actually great for budgies and cockatiels; just don't put any of the shelves or ladders in while you are building it.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_XGCNFbCWT2VY0
I don't disagree with your boyfriend, it would cost around $60 more to get the single now and then add on to it later! I really don't think you'll regret getting the double. =)
The best prices I've seen for the DCN are at PetSupplies.com, Dog.com, and Ferret.com. You'll want to check their shipping charges though. Even with the shipping, I still think they will be cheaper than Amazon ($200 w/ free shipping).
Congratulations to you and your rats!
Too much space generally isn't a big concern. The single unit Critter Nation is more than enough cage for a pair of rats. I think the single is actually appropriate for up to four rats if the space is well utilized.
One downfall of the single unit cage is how low it is. I used to keep a pillow on the floor in front of the cage because you have to either bend or kneel down every time you open the doors. The height of the double unit cage is much nicer and at its current Amazon price of $157.49, it's kinda hard to pass up.
A pro/con of the larger cage would be that the bigger the cage, the less frequent the cleaning. ...but it takes twice the time.
tldr; A single unit is fine but there's nothing wrong with going larger.
On Amazon it's $240 with free shipping. On Dog.com it's actually cheaper to buy the Single unit for $105 and the add-on unit for $88, though I don't know what shipping would be for that. And now that I'm looking, dog.com is out of stock on the single unit. PetSmart also has a cage similar to the DCN for $220.
I've never had females myself, but from what I've read here, males scent mark much more than females do. Females may still do it, idk, but males do it a lot unless they're neutered.
In the US, the Critter Nation and the Amazon Basics Small Animal Cage are the only two cages I know of that have the full double doors. The Amazon Basics cage, however, has a 3/4" bar spacing and would not be appropriate for young rats and smaller adult female rats.
The 4-Level Mansion from ExoticNutrition is a similar size as the CN cages but only one side of the cage opens up (no double doors). It has slightly deeper metal pans instead of shallow plastic pans.
The Feisty Ferret is much smaller than the CN cages and like the 4-Level Mansion, it only had doors on one side (no double doors). It also has a wider bar spacing that would not be appropriate for young rats or smaller adult females.
There are plenty of good cages that have large enough doors for easy access. For example, I switched to a Martin's Cage from a Critter Nation several years ago. I gave up the double doors but I have no issues with the size of the Martin's doors. I find cleaning my Martin's cage much quicker and easier than the Critter Nation. Don't let double doors limit your search.
-edit- fixed one of the links.
I like the Midwest Critter Nationshttps://www.amazon.co.uk/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1477104831&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=critter%2Bnation&amp;th=1n But this is alot more budget friendly with good reviews, I have no personal experience with it however. https://www.amazon.co.uk/LITTLE-FRIENDS-Triple-Chinchilla-Ferret/dp/B00GO0K80W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1477104831&sr=8-2&keywords=critter+nation This is what mine looks like as as compared to stock Amazon photos. This is a Critter Nattion. http://i.imgur.com/Fc87pJ6.jpg
that is brand new...if she's asking for more than that she's trying to rip you off
This cage has been great for ours. I don't know if you have any wiggle room but it's on sale right now for $310 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY
I know people that breed rats in a DCN. Which is a cage that gliders can use. I love this cage as it makes cleaning easy compared to a bunch of other cages. I don't put the pan on the inside as a previous comment said, they are super messy. Some more than others, just be prepared to clean a lot. You can use other cages just it needs to have that special coating on it and be .5 inch bar spacing or less.
Also gliders are omnivores and are vicious. If one happened to get out of their cage they would kill, or try to kill, all the other animals you have. They are actually the cause of the swift parrots fall into a critically endangered species in Tasmania. They're predicted to be extinct in 15 years or so. Here's a link to an article about it.
MidWest Homes for Pets Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 162) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/
Critter Nation, it’s only $311 at the time of this comment
here is a rat calculator, it should help you determine if the cage is okay
http://ratclub.org/cgi-bin/cage3.cgi
i will send you the link to the cages I have. I have both a deluxe and a single. they are expensive cages but hands down critter nation cage is best cage in the states. if you are somewhere else then something like the savic royal is the comparable cage but I'm having issues even finding that one available. unfortunately covid has caused a lot of shortages of various things which is most definitely affecting small animals right now as far as cages/bedding/food goes
cage size won't matter though if they're going to be lonely and bored all the time, you can live in the most beautiful mansion but if you have nothing to do its not going to be beautiful anymore
its the critter nation, pretty pricey on amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_GS11QJGTM14PBJNTC i recommend checking facebook marketplace/craigslist for used ones
I don't know how much room you have but if you have that much money to spend why not just get a single critter nation, it is hands down the best critter cage their is. my big boys live in a deluxe critter nation and my little babes live in a single for now
a tank is never suitable for a rat except for maybe a week or two
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_GTGPF1Z65M70JW931KGB
I love the full size shelf in the middle so I'm planning this one or something similar.
Ahh yeah that complicates things a bit, but good on you for caring so much about the animals! A new bigger cage and some friends would be the first two priorities, I'm basically assuming they'd be your rats that would just live at your friend's house at this point. The cage would be the most expensive part, but you may be able to find a used one cheaper locally. Depending on how much you can swing, I'd recommend the single critter nation or the pervue 528, though the critter nation would definitely be my first choice. With the critter nation one of these and one of these would let you use a deep layer of aspen for substrate. That bale should be enough for at least two full cage setups, which should last 4ish weeks if you also grab a litter tray and some paper litter. I would also make a hammock a priority, to place above the litter tray. If you were to pick up all of that stuff new, it'd be around $190-$260. If you need a super temporary cage, you could go a bit smaller. You may have luck posting in a local rat fb group getting your hands on something temporary for free or quite cheap. I've seen SCN on marketplace as cheap as $50, though.
After that, focus on enrichment items and food. One of the better mixes I've found is reggie rat, my boys love it and it's a quarter of my homemade mix. A lot of enrichment items can be made, foraged, or repurposed. A dollar store basket filled with shredded newspaper or hay, for example, is good enrichment that is super inexpensive. Dog ropes and foraged branches (rat safe woods - most need to be dried out but if you know someone with pear or apple trees that aren't sprayed, those branches just need a quick script and they're hood to go) make excellent cage fillers and climbing bits.
Oh my bad, it seems the link didn’t work. This is what I’m getting (I’m hoping the link works this time)
There are cage calculators online to give you an idea of square footage per rat. You should always get at least 2 rats or more as they are social creatures and will get depressed without a friend. The wire spacing should be less than an inch. Half an inch is ideal, but those are harder to find. If you can't find small enough bar spacing you can put chicken wire around it. We did this when they were babies because we had a Houdini. The cage is the big expense. You can get creative with decorations and toys. A lot of Dollar Tree stuff works great. They get all of my holey socks and cardboard boxes.
The Critter Nation is the top of the line. I have no idea why it's so expensive right now on Amazon. It's usually around $250. https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=38UEPCPF64YZ&keywords=critter+nation+cage&qid=1637602941&sprefix=vritter+nation%2Caps
I have a similar cage by Prevue and it was literally half the price when I got it. I wonder if it's a temporary mark up due to the holidays or inflated due to the shipping issues. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000QFMYWQ/ref=ya_aw_od_
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY
What everyone loves basically.
Thank you! You might be able to find them in pet stores near you but I got my Critter Nations on Amazon.
seeing what the prices are for canada you're better off going for the deluxe critter nation since its not much more than the single unit
apparently its out of stock atm but that is THE BEST critter cage. im 5ft 4in and its a couple inches taller than me (sorry dumb american here lol). right now its only my two big boys in it but i have 2 babies I hope to introduce to them soon
its basically a rat mansion
Rat beginner tips:
Never get a single rat. Rats must be in same sex groups of 2 or more (3 is better) to socialize. They can literally become depressed and sick if they’re alone. Having human company doesn’t count.
Females are more likely to be energetic, smaller, and more susceptible to learning tricks. Males are more likely to be cuddly, large, and stinky. If you don’t spay females they are likely to get big nasty tumors in their old age. If you don’t neuter males there’s a chance they will have a hormonal aggression peak mid-life. Both are good options but I’ve never had females.
Never ever get pets from pet stores if you can help it. People will say “oh all mine are from pet stores and they are so sweet and healthy.” That’s totally fine but you’re definitely more likely to get friendly rats if you get them from a breeder. Plus pet stores get their animals from breeding mills where ethics and health go out the windows. You’re not “rescuing” rats from pet stores you’re funding the operation. There are also always rats in rescues and listed on Craigslist so check around. For your first rats though I suggest a good reputable breeder. NOT a snake food breeder. You might have to drive a couple hours or be on a waiting list for a good one.
A rats cage should be large with good air flow. It should not be an aquarium of any sort. I personally like to give my rats as much space as possible so I have this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_WCVGQXQKYJGZG02SV12R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Also here is a video to guide you through selecting a cage https://youtu.be/phgiB2jAPmM and here is a rat cage calculator http://ratclub.org/cgi-bin/cage3.cgi I always subtract at least 1 rat from the result to be safe.
Rats are EXPENSIVE like any pet. The cage alone can be $300 and the animals themselves from a breeder can be 20-50$ each. Then you have to buy food, bedding, toys, hammocks, and first aid kit supplies. Then you have to have a savings well bulked enough for vet trips. This year alone I’ve spent over $1000 on vet visits. It is neglect to avoid taking animals to a vet so no matter what it needs to happen if they’re sick. And before you even decide to get rats see how far away the nearest exotic vet is and make sure you’ll have transportation to get there. They can be over an hour away sometimes.
if you're going to spend that much money on a cage you might as well go with a deluxe critter nation, it's a superior cage although the prices seem to have gone up a bit probably due to the supply issues we're having as a whole due to covid
i have a deluxe for my 2 older boys but I have 2 new babies that will eventually join them. DNC can fit like 10-12 rats in it so yeah its definitely more than enough room for 3, they'll love it although give them a few days to get accustomed to the new cage and let them explore
if you get a DNC and you won't need to get another cage any time soon that's for sure, its quite a solid cage
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PPNBRSP9ZG5FA002J3E4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
What about midwest home for pets on amazon? https://www.amazon.co.uk/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
Two story Critter Nation An amazing cage and one of the best on the market for rat owners. A double story Critter Nation can comfortably house a maximum of 6. The pan at the bottom can be easily replaced with something like a cement mixing pan to provide a deeper base for bedding as rats also enjoy burrowing. The large doors on the front of the cage allow full access to the inside for easy cleaning and setup.
Single story Critter Nation Like the two story Critter Nation, but it can house a maximum of four rats
Feisty ferret cage The Feisty ferret cage is similar to the critter nation, though only one side of the cage has large doors. Can comfortably house a max of 6 rats. And the bars are vertical and depending on the age + size of the rats the cage will have to be covered with hardware cloth or chicken wire with small netting.
Ferplast ferret tower One of the cages I want right now it can comfortably house a maximum of 6-8 rats though I personally wouldn't go over 6. The trays are already deep so they allow you to add a couple inches of bedding for burrowing and it's pretty big. The only flaws are that it can be a pain to put together from what I hear and the doors aren't full size like the critter nation cage so cleaning and setup will be more work.
Prevue pet chinchilla and rat cage Another good cage, will house 4 rats. It's a sturdy cage and is great but the door for this one is also smaller.
smaller access doors will make cages harder to clean. Any wire flooring must be covered (fleece or something similar with non gel puppy pads underneath) any ramps are suggested to be covered for traction. Wire spacing must be 1/2 inch to prevent escapes from young rats.
Cages to avoid
•cages with larger than 1in bar spacing •cages advertised as hamster and rat •Cages with no levels (unless rat is injured, recovering or elderly) •kaytee first rat habitats •Wooden cages •cages with more height than floorspace (rats need room to climb and jump but they also enjoy running and burrowing) •cages with built in tubes, an example would be the kaytee crittertrails •hamster cages •tanks •containers with no ventilation •anything that groups rat and mouse or hamster together
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY
the midwest critter nation! my size is about $300, while there is a single version for $180.
I have my eye on this one with the big shelves, but still searching for cheaper options!
Here you go! I got mine off Amazon
thisis the best cage for chins :)
Yes. I have this.
MidWest Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9VS4GHCZZ0X1K5H9XJ00?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I didn’t even think to check Kijiji. Thanks.
this is the best cage you could get him and you can add more units to the Side and top like these however it is pretty expensive, another good cage that’s sturdy but not so expensive would be this it’s great and has lots of feeding stations, this would be a good option if you add some ledges and a wheel :)
My personal feeling is that there really is no such thing as too big when it comes to cages.
I have this cage. Its huge, I know. However, my cockatiel uses every inch of it when he's in there.
The bar spacing is just right, its super easy to clean, very sturdy and durable, and its plenty of room to play.
This is it with perches and toys.
I use this for my cockatiel. Its technically a critter/ferret cage, but its perfect for us. It has plenty of room, is much cheaper than some other parrot cages, and the bar spacing is just right. The bars are all horizontal so he can climb every one, which he likes. The whole cage opens in the front with four doors, so its very very easy to clean, which I like. Highly recommend.
This was his setup a year or so ago in said cage.
My two recommendations would me the Midwest critter nation and if that’s a bit too pricey then I’d recommend the little friends triple chinchilla cage hope that helps :))
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-162-leak-Proof-Measures/dp/B001NJ0DAY
this cage in two layer is a great cage!
make sure there is no plastic inside!
Midwest Deluxe Critter Nation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0p0IFb0CW8BSR
I found this one on amazon, It was a little pricy but extremely good quality!
here's the link - here
you might also want to get a bedding cover so that they don't kick it everywhere. - here
However, this brand of cages (midwest) has smaller units that you can expand when you want/need too they are also great quality and a lot less expensive
here's the link to the smaller ones -here
Good luck to you and Pocket!
PetSmart sells the ALT Multi Level Cage and it is actually a Critter Nation. PetSmart buys them directly from Midwest Homes 4 Pets and just puts their own brand name on them. I think $189 on Amazon or Chewy is currently the best price. They usually run between $225-275.
The Feisty Ferret cage is cheaper but that's because it's much smaller than the Critter Nation (it's actually closer in size to the single unit CN). It's still an okay size for up to 6 rats but smaller adult females will be able to escape through the wider bar spacing.
I bought the Critter Nation cage back in the spring and I love it. I picked up one that was sightly damaged and got a discount. Would recommend.
Whatever you decide to buy make sure the bars are horizontal not vertical, makes it easier on their feet when climbing. Like this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_jHEvBb785CA00
Critter nation is that cage, the doors are the entire front of the cage. Comes in a single and double story.
https://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
I like the Midwest Critter Nationshttps://www.amazon.co.uk/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1477104831&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=critter%2Bnation&amp;th=1n
But this is alot more budget friendly with good reviews, I have no personal experience with it however. https://www.amazon.co.uk/LITTLE-FRIENDS-Triple-Chinchilla-Ferret/dp/B00GO0K80W/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1477104831&sr=8-2&keywords=critter+nation
This is what mine looks like as as compared to stock Amazon photos. This is a Critter Nattion. http://i.imgur.com/Fc87pJ6.jpg
They raised the price by about $40 it looks like.....http://www.amazon.com/MidWest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
http://www.amazon.ca/Midwest-Critter-Habitat-36-Inch-24-Inch/dp/B001NJ0DAY/
Even with the currently terrible Canadian dollar, it's just about half the price on amazon.com.
This shit is why services exist for Canadians to buy stuff on US websites and get it shipped to US addresses in border cities for them to pick up
Wayyy more than I ever intended to spend on pets I got for free. Haha About $235 shipped
I understand where you are coming from, up to three weeks ago we had a very small flat too (2 1/2) and our cages where taking more than half the living room/kitchen. We currently have (and had in that flat) two Double Critter Nation (http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY).
One good way of going out of the problem of small space in maybe to make your own cage bigger. Here is a link to my old cage I ''doubled'' myself'' by using two Rat Resort cages and making a hole in the bottom of the upper tray and cutting the wire of the top of the bottom cage: http://imgur.com/a/hTJra (sorry for the mess, the cage was in the basement and that flat is on the way to be emptied, so not very clean haha)!
It was pretty easy to do and gave a lot more space. The cages where quite small by themselves but it gave a lot of rattie space like that while not using too much of the house. It's probably smaller than buying a bigger cage and it was quite cost effective because I bought the second one used (look often on websites like Gumtree or Kijiji), it did the job perfectly until I could afford my 2 Double Critter Nation and had the place for it :)!
If you have any more question on how to do it, contact me, it will be a pleasure to talk about the tools needed and stuff like that!
is this cage ok for 3 rats? (the one level) also i found this cage for way less money and they both look exactly the same. is there a difference between critter and ferret nation?
http://www.amazon.com/Midwest-Critter-Nation-Animal-Habitat/dp/B001NJ0DAY
Buy nice or buy twice! My girlfriend and I have one of these cages and it has served us quite well.
My partner and I are getting two ferrets soon and we just bought this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001NJ0DAY/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It was a hard decision because of the price, but they'll have more room and in the end I think they'll be happier.
No that’s too small
This is the best cage for chinchillas MidWest Deluxe Critter Nation Double Unit Small Animal Cage (Model 162) Includes 2 leak-Proof Pans, 2 Shelves, 3 Ramps w/ Ramp Covers & 4 locking Wheel Casters, Measures 36"L x 24"W x 63"H Inches, Ideal for Dagus, Rats, Ferrets, Sugar Gliders https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_f0cOCb2MHNZY8
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