Rat Forum - Rat Homes http://www.ratforum.com/ Information and discussion about rat cages, bedding, toys, and creating an enriching and fun environment for your rat. en Sat, 25 May 2013 22:15:27 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.ratforum.com/images/misc/rss.png Rat Forum - Rat Homes http://www.ratforum.com/ Finacard, should i complain? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?77042-Finacard-should-i-complain&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 21:21:54 GMT okay so i bought a thing of FinaCard from ratrations and it arrived today. Stupid question but is it supposed to be just recycled shredded boxes?... okay so i bought a thing of FinaCard from ratrations and it arrived today. Stupid question but is it supposed to be just recycled shredded boxes? Ratrations doesnt say its recycled. The stuff i received seem to be recycled in the sense that it was once a box for stuff and as i picture it, they have someone who sits in the basement not shredding it but tearing it up for hours and even then theres still some whole pieces. It also reeks of well, old cardboard, and some bits have what looks like melted celotape on it or likes its coated with something. Should I complain?

http://s1334.photobucket.com/user/Om...ikeru/library/ theres some photos there of it

I got a trial of Fresh bale a few weeks ago and its new cardboard but its cut precisely and has less of a smell to it so i think im gonna use that one, in future.

Oh iand i only noticed the shiney bits and that after i had put some in the bin cage, ive since taken it out as i dont feel happy puttin my ratties in there with it. ]]> Rat Homes Reikiru http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?77042-Finacard-should-i-complain Just ordered a Critter Nation... Few Questions http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76826-Just-ordered-a-Critter-Nation...-Few-Questions&goto=newpost Sat, 25 May 2013 01:09:15 GMT This'll be my first Critter Nation Cage. Only bought a single unit because I only have two males, planning on getting a third.
One of my rats is 6 months, the other is almost 2 years. Neither of them are litter trained. Currently they are in a very small cage, because unfortunately when I moved, I was unable to keep the cages I had at the time (petco's rat manor)
Though they've only been in their small cage for about 2 and a half months, I'm eager to get them into the CN now that I have room for it. I was wondering if it's pretty hard.. or even possible to start litter training your rats at this age? And if they won't use the litter box, is there an effective way to keep the cage clean with or without bedding that doesn't involved them kicking it all out of the sides? ]]> Rat Homes haunt http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76826-Just-ordered-a-Critter-Nation...-Few-Questions Cage toys and puzzles http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76482-Cage-toys-and-puzzles&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 20:56:26 GMT Does anyone have any simple to make yet challenging for rat toys? Does anyone have any simple to make yet challenging for rat toys? ]]> Rat Homes threelittleratties http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76482-Cage-toys-and-puzzles Holes in hammocks, rat laundry? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76402-Holes-in-hammocks-rat-laundry&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 16:23:23 GMT Hopefully this is the right place to put this! I was curious--how holey is too holey? When do you toss the hammocks? I suppose they could use... Hopefully this is the right place to put this!

I was curious--how holey is too holey? When do you toss the hammocks? I suppose they could use them for a ground hammock lol. My girls chewed some sizeable chunks out and I don't want them to fall!

Also, how do you do your rat laundry? I've been just hand washing the hammocks in the tub and hanging them to dry. Is it ok to throw them in the washing machine? We can't currently but would be good to know for future reference!


Sent from Petguide.com Free App ]]> Rat Homes the_musical_fruit http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76402-Holes-in-hammocks-rat-laundry Cage pics - what do you guys think? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76370-Cage-pics-what-do-you-guys-think&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 15:28:42 GMT So I suppose I could put this in the CN pic thread, but I also wanted to put in picture of Hank and Dean's cage. Looking for some opinions on whether or not I'm making good use of the space in the cages! Sorry that they are not perfectly clean. These pics were taken one day after a full clean.


Hank and Dean's cage. Three shelves that came with the cage, two hammocks up top, three large storage baskets (you can't quite see one of them, but they practically live in one on the far right), three smaller storage baskets, and a wicker basket in the middle forming a sort of full extra shelf.






To half of the CN (halves are connected, I just don't have a pic of the whole thing). Shelf that came with cage, two large baskets, two smaller baskets (one is behind the paper bag), hammock. They have a water bottle up top, it's just on the door so it's not in the picture.




Two pics of the bottom half of the cage. Two baskets (they LOVE jumping on them to traverse the cage), one crate, a bucket filled with old clothes, two hammocks.

What do you guys think? Anything I could add? My guys don't really use their hammocks but I like them to have them anyway. ]]> Rat Homes Jenzie http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76370-Cage-pics-what-do-you-guys-think New cage set up :) http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76330-New-cage-set-up-)&goto=newpost Thu, 23 May 2013 14:41:36 GMT Attachment 44442Attachment 44450Attachment 44458Attachment 44466Attachment 44474Attachment 44482Attachment 44490Attachment 44506
Ben and jerry's house desperately needed remodeling so this is what we ended up with :) the cage set was a bargin £16 for all 3 pieces brand new :D along with the new rope climbing frame, new treat ball and stuff they already had they seem very happy and happy rats = happy mum lol :)
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]]> Rat Homes sara1991 http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76330-New-cage-set-up-) bedding?!? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76146-bedding-!&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 23:45:23 GMT hello!
I'm new here and this is only like my second post but whatever...
I'm getting my first rat on Saturday (OMG!!!) so as you can prob tell I'm so exited :D His name is cutie and I'm getting him from the Aspca (don't worry I'm getting another rat soon, but they don't have another male rat at the time)
I'm going tomorrow to get all the supplies and stuff (toys, food, bedding). I've been reading about the best bedding and here is what I found is the safe types of bedding
Carefresh
aspen
fleece
I think I'm gonna use fleece but I read somewhere that its harder to clean :/
I heard carefresh is good but dusty
so what do you guys think is the best bedding (easiest to clean, least smelling, etc.)
K,
thanks!;D ]]> Rat Homes rat_luver http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76146-bedding-! My Ratties cage http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76130-My-Ratties-cage&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 23:34:00 GMT Just wanted to share my set up They are my first ratties (Butwont be my last!) So i just wanted to get some feed back; its not completely finished... Just wanted to share my set up They are my first ratties (Butwont be my last!) So i just wanted to get some feed back; its not completely finished yet i'm still waiting on a package from the little pet warehouse but they totally love it :) especially as they were living in a 40 gallon single story tank before i adopted them.

My 3 boys are roughly 2 years old and little sweethearts! I have the ramps in as Gandalf sometimes struggles to climb up and down.

What they have:
CoCo Rat cage 100cm x 70cm x 54cm
Back-2-Nature litter
Litter tray
Brick to hold tray in the coner
2 Lino'd (wipe clean) wooden shelves + bare ramps
"Bordem breaker" cargo net
"Workout" Rat rope
SnakShak log
Loofah nut 'n' gnaw chew
Plastic rat tube
crinkle tube
3x Pets at home Cat rattle roller toys
small crinkly mouse toy
Double ferret hammock
Single rattie hammock
And of course nugget food/veggies and water ^^







]]> Rat Homes Cashew1992 http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76130-My-Ratties-cage First Rat Cage (pic) http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76114-First-Rat-Cage-(pic)&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 22:55:54 GMT Its no CN/FN because I'm not rich, but it is big enough for 2 rats giving them 2 cubic feet. Which is good because I don't plan on getting more than 2 right now.
So this is my first rat cage I spent some time putting together today, its still a couple weeks before the ratties come home with me. I plan on getting them a hut and I have already ordered hammocks and a hanging cube from Chelsey's Cozies.
There are ramps for each level, but they are not in the cage in this picture. Which brings me to a question, will they need all 3 ramps to get to the levels or do you think they can just climb? or is this just dependent on the rats themselves?

Thanks, leave any comments or suggestions :)
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]]> Rat Homes hayls94 http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76114-First-Rat-Cage-(pic) Cage Pics!!! http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76042-Cage-Pics!!!&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 19:28:24 GMT Hi! I know there is already a pic thread, but this is preferably for smaller cages, as i need inspiration! Big cage owners can also post but please... Hi! I know there is already a pic thread, but this is preferably for smaller cages, as i need inspiration! Big cage owners can also post but please consider others x ]]> Rat Homes Elizaa http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76042-Cage-Pics!!! Most Suitable Rat cage? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76034-Most-Suitable-Rat-cage&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 19:23:40 GMT Hi, after reading through some of the threads, i realised i had signed up to a US forum. I'm from the UK, is this okay? Sorry if i have in any way offended you or your ratties :( I am getting two does in around 2 1/2 months, and have my product list ready, but i cant decide on numerous cages and beddings. I cant copy links, so will do my best to provide web addresses. I understand many of you wont have heard of the cages, websites and beddings in th uk, sorry for that!
First up is Little Pet Warehouse, i like the Little Friends Narrow Bar Hamster/Rat cage, it is listed as EMPTY, as quite a few are called this. It does come with four shelves and a few tubes. The fancy rat cage calculator says it is suitable for around 4 rats.If there are any cages you know of in the uk, for under £60, with accessories, plz list them.
Right, bedding!! We do have Yesterdays News, Finacard, Ecobed, Biocatolet, Carefreshand Bob Martins (2 versions of bob martins paper or crystal, obvs paper version!!) Just a few for you to check out. For 30litre, bob martins is £10.80, around $16.20, just wondering if you know of any UK brands that could be cheaper? Bob martins is a very light bag, just wondering what would last longest!! Thanks! ]]> Rat Homes Elizaa http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?76034-Most-Suitable-Rat-cage <![CDATA[Rat doesn't like new home]]> http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75962-Rat-doesn-t-like-new-home&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 16:04:36 GMT Hi,

first time poster, so forgive me if I've categorized this wrong!

I have three pet rats, one young adult (not exactly sure how old), Clover and two babies, Belle and Rapunzel, roughly 7-8 weeks (not born to my adult). I have been keeping them in separate cages because we had bought another baby and the older rat killed her during out of the cage introductions, so we are waiting til the new babies are bigger before introducing them this time.

I had been keeping Clover in the cage she came with, which is really a bit smaller than she should have been living in but it's the one she's been in since she left the pet store, which was in March (I got her off CL from them). The babies were staying in a small critter trail cage until I could get something bigger. I ended up getting a large ferret cage off craigslist for all the rats to live in when they are introduced, and decided to let Clover have it first and give the babies her old cage, which is bigger than what they were in. The babies are happy, but Clover does not seem to like her new cage at all. At first she wouldn't check out any of the levels, just stayed at the bottom. Now, she will climb the side of the cage (ignoring all the ramps) and sit on the top level. She huddles in the corner, won't go to her food or water, and whenever someone stands near or walks by she begs to get out.

My friend came over and said he could smell the ferret scent from the cage, so I've taken all the shelves out and put them in the dishwasher and I'm going to scrub the cage out. I also put her little hut and her hammock from her old cage in there. Is there anything else I can do to help her feel comfortable in her new home? ]]> Rat Homes Ninjasinthetrees http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75962-Rat-doesn-t-like-new-home What is powder coated? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75954-What-is-powder-coated&goto=newpost Wed, 22 May 2013 15:34:30 GMT hi everyone, this is a very exciting day! It will be the most exciting day when i actually get the cage! But i got my first paycheck from my new job,... hi everyone, this is a very exciting day! It will be the most exciting day when i actually get the cage! But i got my first paycheck from my new job, so i was able to order my girls a new cage. the one they have now is way too small for 3 rats, but it hasnt been TERRIBLE because they are still youngsters, but still i'm so releaved and happy they will get more space. But anyways...I ordered the Rat Tower R-690 Martin Cage. I saw there was "galvanized" and "powdered flooring" I knew i didnt want galvanized because my rats move their fleece all the time and i dont want to deal with bumblefoot, we've had enough URI problems. But i'm wondering what exactly is this powdered flooring? Does anyone know what that exactly means?

TY! ]]> Rat Homes 3 ratties http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75954-What-is-powder-coated PetCo Rat Manor http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75810-PetCo-Rat-Manor&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 20:42:50 GMT Hey Guys :) So I have the PetCo Rat Manor..and I was wondering if anyone else did! If you guys can, will you post pics of your cage so I can... Hey Guys :)

So I have the PetCo Rat Manor..and I was wondering if anyone else did!

If you guys can, will you post pics of your cage so I can get some ideas?

My cage is kinda emptyish right now..They chewed all their toys up!

Maybe I can post a picture later...

Anyway, thanks :) ]]> Rat Homes RattieLover1331 http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75810-PetCo-Rat-Manor CN single or double? http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75706-CN-single-or-double&goto=newpost Tue, 21 May 2013 14:07:57 GMT We currently have the Rat Lodge from Martin's (680) and its very nice, love the deep tray and the fact that the actual cage kind of sits inside the tray. But I'm getting itchy to buy my girls a new cage. When I get all their hammocks and flying saucer and misc. toys, the cage doesn't really seem all that big. We only have 2 girls now but I've read that it's better to have at least 3 because of their natural pack stuff. I know technically you can keep up to 3 in the Lodge but it just seems kinda cramped. So I was looking at prices on CNs and they are having a sale on petsmart.com right now, 20% off. Plus the double is on sale for $220! I was all about it until I started reading reviews that they really are HUGE. Right now we live in a room we are renting from my parents, and eventually we will (hopefully!) end up in a small apartment. So how big are they really? I mean I see the measurements, but maybe I just can't visualize it? Are they really gigantic? Would it be better to get the single (even tho the double is so cheap right now!) because of the space issue? I like the thought of being able to close off the ramp and have two separate cages, but we couldn't afford to have like 8 rats lol so i dont know how much of a benefit that would really be for us. It seems like a whole lot of a cage for 2-3. Does anyone know how the CN compares to the Rat Lodge? I know the shallow tray is an issue and was hoping to litter train if we do switch to a CN. So what do you think? the single seems best, but will i regret it if i miss out on that great price for the double? or will the rats have more room than my husband and i, because itll take up our whole room? lol. Thanks! ]]> Rat Homes the_musical_fruit http://www.ratforum.com/showthread.php?75706-CN-single-or-double