Stacking might work. My boys can jump 24" but you'd have time to grab them before they jump down to the other side.
The 28" panels might be enough to keep them in if 24" doesn't do the trick!
exactly what i thought and planned to do. im going to get them this
does it look good to you?
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...
This is the Tespo Dog PlayPen (Amazon). I used zipties to put it together, so it folds up flat. It was kind of pricey (I think around $45-50 when I got it off Amazon, free shipping), but it's really convenient and they can only escape by going over the top -- as you can see, lol.
Not to be a buzzkill bc this is cute but you defo need a bigger wheel there. It needs to be big enough so they can keep their backs straight while they use it.
Edit: I believe this one would be the minimum suitable size for smaller rats (27cm or 11 inches) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Savic-Rolly-Giant-Stand-Exercise/dp/B002J1NHFI hope that helps!
So awesome, I'd be keen on a project like this... Would be a nice opportunity for me to learn some arduino coding. What board are you using? what pump for the PB? is it like a small peristaltic pump kinda thing?
Make sure they're not getting too much sugar for their own good.
It’s wheatgrass/cat grass (the names are interchangeable) found at Home Depot. You’ll need to go to a pet store to get eco-soil or something so that it’s safe for the rats to eat. I found this soil on Amazon that is in easier quantities. It’s stupid easy to grow too!
We were told to use Eco-Earth or other pet friendly soils. I hoping that was good information because, fun fact: rats like to eat dirt lol
the best cage on the market is the critter nation cage, you can get a single which is good enough for probably 4 rats (cause he's gonna need a friend or two if you don't have other rats, rats are NOT solitary animals and they need friends of their own kind to thrive)
costs 170$ on amazon (before tax). both the doors open fully making it easy to clean and decorate and its on wheels and a super nice perk to this cage is that in the future when you want or need more space you can simply buy the addon cage and pop it right on top...almost no other cage makers offer this type of thing.
pretty much you won't need to buy another cage until it breaks but that'll take a long long time if its properly cared for
i have the double critter nation and its amazing, my boys LOVE all the space they have now, wish I'd known about this cage first cause I would have saved myself some money
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
p.s. he's also an adorable squish!
At the moment I'm not able to get a picture of it, but I here is the design I based it off! I first closed the top off as well, but after a while I found that if I took it off and just put bigger stuff inside instead of smaller, cut-up pieces, they would have be a little smarter in figuring out how to get the goods. They loved that, so maybe yours will as well?
I just got two of these bags on Amazon in the last couple of weeks. I got the extra large size for mine, but if you just had one rat in it, the large could work. These bonding pouches work so good with a rattie who is scared. I put a blanket from their cage with their smell in there and zip them up and carry them around with me. Mostly sitting. I offer them treats in there and when I’m sitting I just set my hand in with the rattie, like my hand is another rat. Also I know this sounds really stupid, but my sister swears to God that if you lick your finger and rub their face with it, that they bond to you faster... Also! I forgot to mention that the inside of these bags are like plushy material. They’re really warm and soft. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088QBMBYC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_94k3FbJDYVAMM?psc=1
The food in the picture is not appropriate for rats. The pellets are alfalfa and rats won't don't like them. I don't know of any seed/grain mixes in the US that are any good. I'd probably avoid a mix and get a pellet/kibble instead. I'd suggest feeding them something like Oxbow Essentials. It's about $11 for a 3 lb bag that should last about a month and a half.
Your rats don't look malnourished.
That looks like a scam website.
The cage is $130 on Amazon. It's just a taller version of the cage you asked about and got really good feedback on a few days ago.
The spacing between the bars is too wide. At 25" wide, I don't think it provides rats with enough floor space. I'd suggest something at least 30" wide with a 1/2" bar spacing.
as per when you get him a cage i highly recommend a single critter nation unit. its 170$ on amazon (before tax) but it is THE BEST critter cage in the u.s. (atm its actually on sale and prime shipping for 158$)
I have the double critter nation and I can tell you it is amazing and so worth the price. both doors open fully so its very easy to clean and decorate. a single unit can fit i think 5 at least so it'll be plenty of space when you get him a friend or two.
whats super nice about critter nation is later on when you want or need more space you can simply buy the addon unit and pop it right on top, almost no other cage makers do that.
I have one that’s the same or really similar! I got it off Amazon, it’s a puppy play pen, or panel puppy play pen, that’s how I found mine!
ETA: Tespo Pet Playpen, Portable Large Plastic Yard Fence Small Animals, Puppy Kennel Crate Fence Tent, 12 Panels, 28 X 20 inches https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTG94TH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_Dl-8Fb7M4CSGP
This is the one I have for my boys
That one looks like the model I have, the R47. Don't worry it will eventually get to the center particularly if you place the specialized markers where you want it to go. It also has a learning function, and will eventually organize your desk, adjust your house plants, and shorten your electrical cables for you.
i will according to a rat calculaor it is to small for 4 rats so yeah i wanted to get a different one anyways so ive already looked into it. i think im going with this.
I picked it up from a pet store on the way home actually! It’s soft wire but has little rubber beads on the tips to not hurt the rat. It’s supposed to be detangling but it also works soooo well to get rid of excess buckgrease build up- which is the exact reason I got it for lol😅
Here’s the exact one from amazon: Ancol Animal Slicker Brush, Small https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B006LPSWKI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wDA9Cb2P5ETQQ
There was a 1976 study that found that castrated rats lived a few months longer than the intact rats in the control group.
This specific factor seemed to have the least influence on the lifespan of rats compared to the other factors studied.
RatBehavior.org has more info on neutering.
It looks like the Feisty Ferret cage. It's about half the size of a double unit Critter Nation but it's still great for up to 5 or 6 rats.
The bar spacing is 7/8" though. Young rats and even smaller adult females will be able to escape unless the cage is covered with 1/2" hardware cloth. Covering the cage with hardware cloth could end up doubling the price of this cage, it's a fair amount of work, and it may make the cage more difficult to clean.
here is the cage i have. its easy to clean and its on wheels for easy moving
https://www.amazon.com/Prevue-Chinchilla-495-Earthtone-Dusted/dp/B001W8MDKO
I only have two boys right now and its enough room for them
just make sure to get them the same gender otherwise you'll wind up with babies!
I got it on Amazon! I love it because you can shape it to fit in the cage :)
Ware Manufacturing Fun Tunnels Play Tube for Small Pets, 30 X 4 Inches - Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001LUMU9M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9grEybB9FBKF2
I got mine off Amazon, they're much better than bigger harnesses. Neither of my rats enjoyed those but these woven string ones are great, don't seem to restrict movement or bother them too much.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B073FNXBF9/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_1-SBBbD0SH6J9
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....
This is probably the best thing you can do. Make sure there’s food and water in the cage and that you’re not giving him any under there. Gotta “starve him out”.
For the future, I recommend rat-proofing any areas he can access so that he cannot access small crawl spaces. If rat proofing the room is just impossible, I recommend clear acrylic panels to make a playpen. The taller the panel, the better. I have ratties than can jump and get on top of 1.5 ft / 18 inch tall panels, so 2ft+ is best.
MAGINELS Pet Playpen Puppy Crate Kennel Rabbit Fence Panels Exercise Pen Cage Yard Large Portable Foldable for Small Animals Rat https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0781JFDVJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N2GXBHSKA46XVB4BE34C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
thats not a terrible cage, seen worse people have tried to use, definitely want to make sure the bottom is covered up to protect their little feet. also get rid of that wheel as its wire as well
IF you rats happen to like wheels (mine don't) then you want to get them something like this:
its gotta be large so it doesn't make them bend their back too much and not wire so their feet don't get caught and broken.
now though you need to think about decorating it.
rats like to climb and hide so give them both of those things. soda boxes, tissue boxes (even with the tissues inside as long as they're normal tissues), oatmeal boxes...things of that nature can give them hiding places and you can just toss them out when they get too soiled.
wood ledges or bird lava ledges and those bendy bird ropes would give them things to climp on and you want LOTS AND LOTS of hammocks! I've got two smallish plastic baskets ziptied to my cage which gives them an extra chill/sleeping spot (use the ledges to get up to them)
also a sputnik aka space pod is really good too, seems like all rats like those things.
also do you only have 1 rat? you MUST MUST MUST get him/her at least 1 buddy (same gender so you don't wind up with baby beans). rats are super social and should never ever be alone though there are rare instances where that is required. 2 is the minimum but more is better socially wise. 3 seems to be a good number.
solo rats can become depressed and lonely and even self harm. no matter what we do as humans it will never be quite enough for them, they need friends of their own kind to make them happy and thrive.
I personally wouldn’t be comfortable with food dye, but that said, I don’t have a concrete reason to not use it.
A possible alternative - some water bottles come with floaties to indicate water level. Not sure how visible those would be on camera. I’ve also found some floaties to be hard to remove from the bottle to properly clean them.
I'm sorry about your darling :( If you find somewhere that isn't too expensive to get him cremated, you can have his ashes made into a Glass Bead/Pendant for you. Or you could see about cutting off a bit of his fur and putting that in the bead instead if you decide to not get him cremated. Some people think it's kinda weird, but the result can be quite beautiful.
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
I would recommend a Critter Cuddler.. It really helped when I first got my boys. You wear it around your neck and they sit inside like a little bonding pouch but it’s less stressful cuz it gives them a place to burrow and hide but you can still feed and pet them. I would put it on and stretch it out towards the shelf and let them gradually climb in. (I have 5 and 4 walked in on their own, only 1 ever had to be placed in the first time.) but now they like it so much that when I still throw it on now and then, they all greet me anxiously at the door lol.
I usually give them a high-yield treat like meat baby food or yogurt while they’re in it or popping out to climb on me. It keeps them engaged with the bonding session and makes it rewarding for them.
Cardboard playpen walls can work. If your rats chew on them, try covering the edges with duct tape. You can also purchase modular playpens on Amazon (Tespo playpen). Because rats can climb and jump, barrier walls need to be smooth and fairly tall. My boys can easily jump 2 foot walls so for solid opaque walls, I start at about 28" (70 cm). I make my barriers out of clear acrylic and I've found they can be a little shorter because rats can't see the tops so they don't even try to jump.
firs off what kind of cage do you have and what's your budget?
I have a deluxe critter nation but i started out with the prevue 495 cage which is a pretty good cage all around for just 2. critter nation single unit is 170 last time i checked which would be more than enough for 2.
here is the link for the prevue cage
its a good cage other than the vertical bars which can make climbing more difficult. its got solid platforms and ramps and you can altogether remove the wire bottom and just slide the black bedding tray in instead (never once used the wire bottom and never had a problem with just the bedding tray)
its also on wheels. really the only thing that is kinda poopy about it is the door but granted its actually a lot bigger than many other cage doors I've seen. it still can't compare to CN cage doors though
If it's the VivoHome 30" Cage, I would suggest that it's not a great cage to be used as a permanent home for rats. The dimensions appear to be around 17.5" x 17.5" x 24" (45cm x 45 cm x 60 cm) or about 4 cubic feet. In my opinion, it's just too narrow to allow rats enough floor space to run around. I think 30" wide is a good starting width for a cage but wider and taller is always better. I think if you were able to get a cage twice the overall size of this cage (or larger - with enough width), it would be acceptable for up to 4 rats.
Definitely a good start but could use a bit more if you want. Some chews and toys like the four way foraging toy is great! There's also a ton of chews made by oxbow on chewy
https://www.amazon.com/Birds-LOVE-Foraging-Playgym-Cockatoo/dp/B08LHF84DW/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=foraging+toys+for+parrots&qid=1610765122&sprefix=foragi&sr=8-17 This one specifically is a great product
Amazon! (I hope links to Amazon are ok.)
I accidentally got them a small one first which you can see in the larger octagon. These girls can jump and climb to the top and run around. The boys love crawling around inside when it's their turn too. Beware: If they feel like it, they can tear right through the mesh though. In a year of using it, there's been a couple holes that needed patching. All in, it's a great play area for them.
Thank you! Yes they ARE. I got this Tespo dog playpen from Amazon. Currently $50 on Amazon but it's worth it - I put it together with zip ties and it just folds up flat! They can't get underneath it. The athletic ones can jump out so I wouldn't rely on them staying in there for a long time unsupervised, but you have enough time to hear their fat body hit the top and go grab them, hahah. It's pretty big and more than enough room to sit in there with them with other toys and stuff.
I see you have a food dish on the bottom and on an upper level, or is one of those for water? With only two boys, one source for food and water is fine, I would actually recommend getting a foraging wheel for regular feeding, keeps up the mental stimulation. :)
Where the blue dish is on the bottom, I would put a cardboard box with a hole cut in it. Cardboard boxes make wonderful hidey holes, especially for newer rats who might be a bit frightened. And when they get funky, just replace!
Everything else looks great! All rats are different, so you may not know what cage accessories are ideal until you've had some good hours of observation. I've had rats that loooove climbing into their sputnik, and others who won't bother. Some love hammocks, some love boxes. Some like climbing, some prefer ramps. Try lots of things and refresh the setup every few months.
This is a really thorough guide to introducing rats to dogs. You owe it to both of your pets to read the entire guide (including and especially the section on protecting your rats from your dog) before even attempting an introduction.
Do not assume that your dog and your rats will become best friends. They all have different personalities, and they might simply not be compatible. Make sure you have room in your heart for that conclusion.
I'm going to be critical:
Functionality:
Aesthetics:
I love the interactive gallery. I hope you take my comments in the spirit that they are given, to help JARRS and their rats and their clients get the best experience possible out of their website.
new home sneezes are a thing but if it persists for more then 2 weeks you might want to think about popping her to the vet. if she starts making ANY noise when just breathing then that is the first sign of a URI and the sooner you get her in and on meds the better she'll recover. rats should NOT make ANY sound when just breathing normally
getting an air purifier is a good idea, i'll link you the one i recently bought and its specifically for pets and so far so good with it. i got it because its been very smoky here with all the recent fires. smoke was even making my hubby cough but since i got the purifier he hasn't coughed in the house at all
i have yet to ever introduce rats but from what I've read that is the most often used method for introductions. make sure to completely clean and rearrange the main cage before putting them in there though because any scent left behind might make the solo rat territorial
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08131HFSG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
a single critter nation would be fine for 3. critter nation is THE best cage in the states. in europe the savic royal/XL is the comparable cage
i have the deluxe and I can tell you it is an awesome cage but i doubt you want to spend 300$ on it. i couldn't find one used near me and i happened to have the money so i did. imo it was totally worth it.
look on craigslist or facebook market and see if you can find it cheaper
another good cage, the first one I started with, is the prevue 495 rat and chinchilla cage. it would fit 3 and it is a good cage but it honestly just can't compare to how good the critter nation is but i'll link it anyway.
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
The single unit Critter Nation would be a better choice. The CN cages have an appropriate bar spacing to prevent escapes as well as full-size double doors.
The Feisty Ferret looks like it's really huge but it's actually much closer in size to the single unit Critter Nation than the double unit. The price of the single unit Critter Nation is pretty close to the price of the Feisty Ferret as well. When you add in the cost of purchasing wire mesh hardware cloth and zip-ties to prevent your rats from escaping the Feisty Ferret, the single unit Critter Nation may even be cheaper.
The Critter Nation cages are very easy to modify to use a loose substrate bedding. You can purchase a large concrete mixing tub from Lowes or Home Depot, you can make your own clear acrylic deep tub, or you can purchase deeper metal pans from companies like Bass Equipment.
Do you think the rescue was talking about these? Cause these are great and my rats loved them for climbing and exploring their cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074WNXJTV/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_VDYHPSYH1HMDVC3BQW09?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
The cage is a critter nation, its fairly large. 36x24x39 i think (but I can buy an addon if I really need it). Great tip, ill get rid of the bowl! I actually have some food hidden in hammocks and stuff, but Ill have it even more spread out. I have bunch of extra hammocks since I remember my rats growing up chewing through them. I'll add another one! I'll have to do research on making my own food, but I have been excited to treat them with things like kale and fresh herbs. I plan on making a dig box and also have them pea fishing. Thank you for the advice! did not come off as rude at all! I hadnt considered getting rid of the second layer, I will look into more (and bigger) ropes and ladders for them. Right now they are still babies so very small, but I expect them to outgrow the things I have. Your other comment mentions litter, I've never used it before, so I wasn't sure how much to get, but I have 4 boxes of it, though they are pretty small, paper pellets it is!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 (this is the cage I have)
Your link is for the Ferret Nation. Because it has a wide bar spacing, I wouldn't recommend it for young rats or even for adult females. Here's the link for the Critter Nation.
you want a cage with 1/2 in spacing between the bars otherwise babies and small females could escape, granted your current rats might not be able to but in the future if you get more you'd have to take that into consideration
you really should just go for a single critter nation. 170$ on amazon before tax. the doors open fully and its on wheels but a big big bonus is that they make an addon unit you can pop right on top when the time comes that you want/need more space. almost no other cage makers do that
critter nation is THE BEST critter cage in the u.s.
it you're in europe look for a savic royal, closest thing to critter nation they got
people always try to go cheap on the cage but the cage IS the one thing you definitely want to splurge on and basically you wont need to ever buy another cage until such time as the critter nation breaks which i can't imagine that would happen for quite a long time
critter nation cage is the best cage in the u.s.
I have the double, paid brand new for it cause i couldn't find it near me on craigslist or facebook market, cost me nearly 300 but its a really awesome cage and my boys LOVE all the room they have now. check craigslist/facebook marketplace to see if you can find one cheaper used
you can start out with a single unit and later on when you want/need more space you can simply buy the addon cage and pop it right on top, almost no other cage makers offer this kind of thing
if you're in europe go for the savic royal, closest thing to the critter nation
trust me, the one thing you do want to splurge on is a good cage, i wish I'd known about the critter nation beforehand cause it would have saved me the 150$ i paid for my other cage which was okay but not nearly as good. everything else can be a work in progress, your squishies aren't going to love you less for it
you want to find a cage with 1/2in bar width to prevent them being able to esacpe
depending on your budget my first recommendation is always the critter nation cage single unit. last i checked it was on sale on amazon for 158$ (before tax) and prime shipping. that was yesterday. 4 would fit just fine in it
the size is usually fine, the problem with ferret cages is the width of the bars are usually too wide for smaller critters like rats allowing smaller rats/babies to escape
you don't happen to live near redding ca do ya, i could sell ya my old cage...can't get rid of it >_<
well check the width of the bars on that one first. here is a link to the first cage I got which is a great cage but only big enough for two. It's a little more expensive but its a great cage and my boys never escaped. I completely took out the bottom wire mesh and just slid the black litter tray in its spot. the ramps and platforms are solid so no worrying about their little feets getting caught on anything
the one thing you want to splurge on is a good cage otherwise you'll just wind up having a buy a new cage in the future and thus end up wasting money. everything else can be a work in progress (toys/bedding). your squish babes aren't going to think less of you
as for bedding. I liked aspen the most but its super dusty no matter what the package says so it would be good idea to hand sift it before use. also wood beddings can carry mites so its also a good idea to freeze them for 12/24hrs before use. aspen was great at absorbency though.
right now I'm using carefresh paper bedding as per my vets recommendation. its not nearly as dusty bust also not as absorbent either. other people use shredded linen and shredded hemp too but I've never used those so i can't comment on them.
if you have problem getting the gold hammock to stay on i went to home improvement store and got larger washers. i put the big washers on the inside and the small washers on the outside and it has helped keep them on/straight but check them every now and then to make sure they're not loose
also actually forgot this link
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002X2NBNQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Not 4. Good enough for 1. I would say unless you're letting them free roam free 24/7 dont get that. I would reccomend this cage off amazon. I had this for my 3 girls. Plus it doesn't need to be on wheels. If you want you can only use half of the cage and if you want to expand add the second part on.
I think I have the same one. Ordered it through a local pet store (Quebec, Canada). They have it on Amazon. Good deep base, but the doors are smallish. So cleaning is a bit awkward. To clean the base I literally unhook the cage part and lift it off. I’ve replace the middle ramp with some rope bridges. Savic Zeno 3 Knockdown
Rats can get mites even if they have no bedding and just felt liners. My breeder gives me REVOLUTION for dogs, denatured alcohol to dilute it, a tiny dispenser and full instructions.
One drop on the back of their neck. Then anti itch shampoo called Micro Tek. Then slather them with coconut oil after they are dry. They get immediate releif!!!
Their fur will look a bit matted for a couple of days until the coconut oil is fully absorbed.
Don't forget to shampoo and oil their TAILS. Toothbrush scrub in one direction from base to tip ONLY!!!!
This protocol kills the mites. Monthly single drop dose prevents mites. Shampoo and coconut oil give the ratty dramatic relief while they are in the mite killing and healing stage.
EQyss Micro-Tek Pet Shampoo
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061MP8S/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_3MMbGbMCQH177?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
So the “R A T S” are all bought separately, just search “Neon LED sign letter” on Amazon and they’ll come up! It was a generic Chinese company so I can’t remember specially which brand but they were around $14 per letter!
The rat under the mirror I made from this kit off Amazon as well!: LED Neon Lights Sign,A-1ux Shapeable Neon Signs Night Light Neon Wall Light, DIY Neon Art Decorative Kids Gifts for Developmental Toys, Bedroom,Living Room,Christmas,Party-3.28ft Pink https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081PNQ4MH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_i_6E66FbX7WN1EQ
Awww have you tried something like this?
I got one when my boys were little so if they accidentally fell out of the Sputnik, they would have a safety net to land on 😂 but I think it was meant to be used as a hammock.
it looks like a critter nation. cant tell if its a single or double, but i bought mine on amazon:
You can buy fleece coverings from amazon (dont know size :\), or make your own. My cage came with them and they work just fine.
The cardboard or plastic would also work if you're not too good at sewing.
I got mine through Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Kaytee-Ledge-Small-Animals-Colors/dp/B00176F466
They're cheaper on chewy, but you have to pay for shipping for orders under $50:
Even if you cant afford a critter nation, petsmart has something like this that my fiance and I were looking at and amazon has this. I would highly recommend you lay down some fleece blankets as a form of bedding if you get a wire cage like that. They can get their little rattie toes stuck or sprain something and that could be really painful for one of your little guys.
My fiance and I are planning on getting our girls a new cage within the next couple weeks, if you'd like I can keep you posted, since we are certainly working with a budget.
They sell them at my local Petco. It was between this and the hammock shaped like an ape!
I get mine from Amazon or Pets at Home! They're called Savic tubes I think, but you can buy them from lots of different places. This is where I got mine:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003QQ59TM/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_LYm8AbJGRZG7S
They're a solid favourite.
I bought a Critter Cuddler neckband thing off Amazon. It really helped us bond. You should try it out!
Critter Cuddler Small Animal Carrier and Bonding Pouch Anti-Anxiety Interactive Play Exercise Ring Therapeutic for Pet & Handler Small Dog Cat Hedgehog Puppy Travel Sling - Made in USA (Pawprint) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B015NO1UG0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_07PRCb5TAWJ5K
I have no damn clue how to format that.
I didn't actually hear any odd breathing in the video. Could you describe the symptoms that are pointing to URI? I did notice the porphyrin. Sometimes they will have more of that when they first wake up.
For the balding, I would treat them for mites first. Here is a good site with lots of info on treating, etc. You treat all the rats, even if only one is showing signs. I have 3 and only one of them was scratching a particular spot bald, and he also had random tiny scabs/occasionally would accidentally scratch his eye. After I treated them and did a full cage clean (and you treat again 1 week later), he stopped scratching and the fur grew back. I used ivermectin that I got from Amazon, about a rice-sized amount that the licked off a chopstick.
Another possible reason could be the bedding. Even though aspen shavings are OK to use (and some argue that kiln-dried pine shavings are too), I have found them to be somewhat allergy-inducing. The pine more than the aspen. That could be a cause for breathing issues as well as itching. So, you could try switching to a pelleted version (these are way less dusty) or a paper-based bedding. I personally don't like CareFresh because of the dust and smell, but the Vitakraft crumble bedding is much better (and I think it's cheaper for what you get).
I sometimes like to use bird shelves, you can find them on amazon. bird shelf I put a piece of cardboard on it so their feet don’t fall through. Also just looking up supplies for birds in general, you can find a lot of good stuff .
I'd get some sort of playpen set-up so he doesn't have access to anything he might damage or might hurt him. You can make a pen out of coroplast or cardboard, anything solid and smooth (so they can't climb it). Rats can also jump pretty high so I'd make the walls 26"-28" tall. You can buy this Tespo playpen on amazon. I make playpen walls out of clear acrylic and they don't need to be as tall because they're transparent and rats can't see the top. I have walls as short as 20" and I've never had an escape.
Here is a link to one on Amazon. I have this unit for my females but since the wire spacing is technically to far apart we lined the exterior of the cage with 1\4inch chicken wire using zip ties. This unit is as big as the critter Nation cages just much less expensive. It can comfortably house up to 9 rats and you can even block off the hole in the middle to use as 2 separate cages instead of one double decker. Anyways I hope this helps, I know you were only looking for a home for two but once you get started they get kind of addicting so at least you would have room for more if needed, LOL
they will use thin paper (like newspaper) and pretty much everything thats soft for building nests.
I´m using that stuff: https://www.amazon.de/Safebed-Paper-Wool-Small-10kg-2kg/dp/B003TLA138, they like it and it can be used for many things. But of course there´s plenty of other stuff too, just must be low-dust and must be easily tearable so they cannot accidentally tie off something with it.
np, thats what we are here for :)
I got it on Amazon last summer! I purchased it used and slightly damaged and saved a TON of money that way, and it works great! Just tall enough for them to not reach the top, unless there's something close by to jump off of.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTG94TH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_3aezFb0PE04BK
My rats LOVE this. They will chew it into pieces in a matter of days.
I only recently moved to Philly, but I've been going to Queen Village Animal Hospital. I don't know what they might charge for tumor removal as our house's rats haven't had any, but they charge around $50 for checkups when the rat is healthy. You should also know that they can get very busy around 4-6 and you may end up waiting for an hour (for a low priority appointment like a checkup, at least). If you're interested in giving them a chance, check out their website. Also, be warned that people in the waiting room will be fascinated by your rats and they will be showered with compliments.
When we adopted Eileen and Wassily, the Humane Society that had them didn't know a lot about rats but wanted to enrich their cage and so they cut a big circular hole in one of these after cleaning it out and the girls loved it to bits. We ended up sticking it in their travel carrier for comfort for a vet trip and the vet loved it.
Looking into our girls cage right now there are a bunch of cardboard boxes shred into pieces and some bird toys. We also love handing off our toilet paper rolls to them.
Sounds like Armin may require some special attention from you in order to form a stronger bond. Basically, you handle them directly as much as possible. Eventually, they begin to learn to trust you more, since they spend a lot of time with you and nothing bad happens. A good example carrying them around on your shoulder or in a "bonding pouch" like this one: https://www.etsy.com/listing/53125306/small-pet-carry-sack-bonding-pouch-12x7?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=rat+bonding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all
Other ideas are keeping them on your shoulder, lap, or in your hoodie pocket while you are watching TV or doing homework. Success often is apparent when your little rattie is comfortable enough to take naps in your pouch or groom you.
Here's a good link with more info on socializing and bonding with your rats: http://www.rattyrat.com/guidebook/bonding.html
One of our current girl ratties, Aretha, likes to make the beds with 400TC sateen cotton sheet pieces, and makes many trips to where I put the clean sheet pieces on the chaise lounge sofa and back to the RatManor. (She’s recently developed a mammary lump, and we have an appointment with the vet tomorrow for the operation. She’s in top health otherwise. I’d appreciate it if anyone can send good vibes her way. TY ♡ Aretha taking cotton sheets to make the bed)
I found the exact one I have (sorry my measurements were poorly estimated) I’ve used this for lots of trips with 2-4 females at a time no problem at all. I put a hand towel in with them and clip a water bottle to the front and they’ve been content for trips as long as three hours. I’ve just never had them with me for longerthis is what I use for that number of rats
They traveled in the bin cage right next to their person on our last trip.
We got a hard sided pet carrier at one point and it was garbage with really wide bar spacing and it went right back to Amazon.
Is there a cat carrier you recommend? I'm worried my little escape artists would get out of anything soft sided. The little vet cage is fine for 2 for a short trip. Would 4 females on a 3 hours car ride be ok in one or two of the Kaytee travel cages? It's this one: Kaytee Take Me With Small Animal Travel Carrier, Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MD3MH8/
Of course! We are giving this a try: American Terminal 1.5" x 10' Black Split Loom TUBING Wire & Hose Cover Polyethylene Audio Video https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KDN9IGQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PXXA4FQ90MZ8J6B8BZCT?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 there are some well reviewed floor ones, however this works best for us! The other option is making a small shelf, but they would figure out how to get up onto!
I use this one and love it, I built it two levels high at the front of their Critter Nation (I bought this ramp so they could enter/exit without me), and I usually just leave the cage open all day for them to walk up and down as they please! I use a fleece blanket as the floor and then any leftover cardboard boxes get added to the pen.
I use figure-8 harnesses and they work the best. You do have to make them tighter than you might think is comfortable, but trust me, your rats are fine. Tighten it so you can still put the tip of your pinky between the harness and your rat and that’s a good tightness. Any looser and they can get out.
COLIBROX Adjustable Hamster Leash Harness for Rats Ferret Mouse Squirrel Small Animal Pack of 2 COLIBROX https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PG72V4C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_4TBH0SR16PX746S8KGNQ
I’d recommend getting a pumice stone kinda like THIS one.
You can put it in front of water or food to make them walk on it, but in my experience they also enjoy chewing it and might just hang out up there
Getting a second 528 and stacking the wire section on to your existing cage isn't a bad idea. It may actually be a decent budget option but getting a single unit Critter Nation would be a better choice all around. It's a little above your budget but it's a superior cage to the Prevue Earthtone cage and it would be easy to upgrade in the future if you ever choose to. Resale value is also better with a Critter Nation.
PawHut 50" H 4 Tier Steel Plastic Small Animal Pet Cage Kit for Little Rabbit Guinea Pig Ferret with Wheels Brakes Hammock Removable Tray - Silver Grey Hammertone https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V26LR29/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6E0H8FGV22M3H2GNJ41H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 this is the cage I got for my boys, it’s huge and no wire bottoms, pull out bottom tray for easy cleaning, multiple story’s and not super super expensive
Hey just in case you still wanted another option this is the cage I have my rats in and it’s about the same size but quite a bit cheaper. Prevue Hendryx Black Feisty Ferret Cage https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000QFMYWQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_N1GSJ7Y361CX2EDYQRTF
This is a bit more expensive, but it's one of the best cages for rats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_FAVTP9DE1EVHK8R4VEVG?psc=1
Also a bin cage with only ventilation in the lid isn't an acceptable accomodation. Even if it's large enough, it needs ventilation on every side or they'll get a respirator infection from breathing in their own urine.
This brand is my favourite! So far they haven't actually destroyed any of thr bunk bed hammocks from this brand.and they are fairly priced. Only downside is my rats do really like 3 to 4 level hammocks best
in my CN i have the wood ledges lead up to plastic baskets I ziptied to the upper back corners for stability. aside from the space pods rylans next fave spots are the baskets. they're super cheap, can find them at dollar store or walmart. i got medium sized ones
could also put another hammock on the bottom of the top smaller ledge. I also have hammocks that bolt on to the side of the cage as well which are some of my boys favorite spots. honestly can never have too many hammocks!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W1Z3G55/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
No worries I love helping people with rat questions! I use baby puffs for treats! I always get the cheerio shaped ones that taste like something nice and rat safe. You can get them at the store or Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006XYFD5Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Q04M95F5CGB91G6G2QTX For training purposes I broke them into 3 or 4 little crumb pieces so I could train them for long period of time without giving them too many treats. I think people use regular adult Cheerios too lol but I haven’t done that yet.
My boys also LOVE yogurt and we always have some plain reduced fat yogurt in the house already so it’s a good special treat for them to lick it off the spoon.
My rats like arugula if you’re looking for something very healthy. I’m not sure they would be motivated for training though with just arugula. I think banana chips and other fried fruits are good too. Maybe a little sweet naturally but no added sugars.
Here's a few cages I love:
(Feisty ferret cage)
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B076564ZFW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_T36J0KJSQ74CG6CPBG1J
(This one seems ok but a few people have said that the bars are flimsy whereas some have said it's absolutely perfect and worth it. Note: rats chew, EVERYTHING THEY CAN GET TO. Some chew the bars and some may chew plastic so with a cage like this the plastic ledges may be an issue)
I have a playpen like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XTG94TH/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_T0M96HP496YATSDBX5C6
It’s easy to set up and break down, and it’s too tall and secure for the rats to escape.
i recently saw a post where someone got those silicon candy molds and made frozen corn treats with water and canned corn. alas i couldn't find one at the store so i ordered some
Like heavily watered down peanut butter. The flavor is still there, but it's not sticky so they won't choke on anything. And while it's cold, because it's peanut butter, it's not SUPER uncomfortable cold. I use peanut butter that's just ground up peanuts. No sugar or sweeteners, no extra oil, just soft peanut.
I got them here! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01L7ZFBXW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_YP2AMMGACK4077A13MGK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Though I'm sure there are shops that have them right now, I think I saw them at Target in their bar section by the reusable ice cubes.
I highly recommend making some oatmeal with Ensure. Even my sickest rats who refused to eat anything else would gobble that up. Beyond that, I've tried baby foods, pureed veggies, which I've had some luck with but definitely would try the Ensure first!
While I've personally never used this myself, I have also heard good things about Oxbows Critical Care.
Wishing you and your girl the best 😞