On the list for show rats!~!

[Kanchii]

Aneesa's Muse :

but please be sure to freeze it for 48 hours prior to use, so you can be absolutely certain that no mites have traveled with the paper (it happens all the time).

Wow! I never knew that! Thank's for sharing! That's probably where my rats got mites from, I've had several break outs of mites on my ratties over the years I've had them which has ended up in pricey vet bills! I will definitely start doing that, thanks for the info!​

 

[L&Schickens]

I don't know what a Lab Block or Mazuri and Harlan Teklad blocks are, but a litter box in the cage sounds like a great idea!

 

[gumpsgirl]

How exciting!

We absolutely LOVE our rats! I never thought I would say that or even have a rat as a pet and we now have three. They are awesome pets! We have been through guinea pigs, gerbils, hamsters, degus, and rabbits. Everyone of those animals bit my kids at one time or another. We have had rats for almost a year now and my kids have never been bit by one of them. Never! My 4 year old little DD even packs them around and they just go right along with her! You will love them! What kind of cage are you planning on getting for them? I am asking because rats need lots and lots of run around room. We took an old book case and converted it into a three story cage. They love it! Here is a wonderful site that has tons and tons of information and pictures of rats. This is also where we got our bookcase cage idea from.http://www.dapper.com.au/index.htm

Congrats on embarking on the quest of rat ownership! You will love them!

p.s. That website also has tips on how to potty train your rats.

 

[Aneesa's Muse]

I'm uploading pics of them now...

but here's some links:

Mazuri I use the #5663 for my gang, as it addresses everyone's nutritional requirements pretty much..

Harlan Teklad I have used this and I like it just fine, but it's not easily found within driving distance. I used the 2014 up to 2024, depending on how old the gang was at the time. The last 2 digits represent the protein content

I get this at my local feed store ..same place I get the chicken feed. The large blocks are a complete nutritionally balanced food ..and they help maintain teeth length (trimming rattie teeth is NOT fun!)


Also, there's a great brand of food out there (most petfoodexpress and "high end" pet shops will carry it, or order it for you) ...Oxbow has Regal Rat ..my gang just won't eat it .........but it's supposed to be in the same quality range as the Harlan and Mazuri. (My Cavies eat the Cavy Cuisine version ..and LOVE it!)




..and you are most welcome, Kanchii

 

[L&Schickens]

Thanks for the links!

Here is the future cage.

It is quite tall and so I can divide up the levels in it easily. I think it will be plenty big enough for 2 female rats.

 

[Aneesa's Muse]

That is perfect for 2 girls! They will love having all that space to romp around when they're not out free ranging with you and the family. My girls use up every inch of space in their cages ...some like to snuggle, some like their own little corner, some get in hissy moods and need a time out from the gang ...space is GOOD!!

I don't know if your cage comes with different levels, but if you check out the cookie cooling racks in any kitchen supply aisle (or store) ...or the shelving DIY stuff (either open coated wire ones or melamine ones) ....you can make some other levels in that cage with ease.

Hammocks and cubes and those "balls" (that you should never ever put your rodent in) can be zip tied onto the cage walls (remove the little door) and they will love hiding and sleeping in those... and they offer more "floor space". I also save the huge oatmeal containers and zip tie those to the wall or somewhere fun inside the cage. My girls are Team Destruction, in most cases, so anything that can be recycled is great!

They have a blast ripping boxes and paper tubes/containers into shreds ...they destroy hammocks too, so I give them DH's sweats and old (clean) work pants. (Legs get cut twice for total of 4 tubey hammocks; and the top part is one hammock all by itself ..with tubes and pockets to explore)

Enjoy your girls!

 

[Kanchii]

lol you could fit a whole army of rats in there!