[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Working out how much furniture I can get rid of to accommodate a rat cage .... These look like possible contenders but is one better than the other? Or are there any others I should consider? Critter nation has great reviews but Little Zoo seems to have deeper pans. And it doesn't seem possible to track down the Savic Royal Suite 95 these days...

 

[AdoreRats]

I have the PetPlanet Rat and Ferret cage. It's the same size as both, just a lot cheaper.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Thanks. How do your rats get on with the vertical bars? And how do you find the pans?

 

[AdoreRats]

I find it a lot easier to hang things from the bars, as they don't slide around.
I use a Perspex tray for the base, I don't cover the shelves with anything as it's a lot easier to keep clean.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Thank you. Any recommendations on which perspex trays fit well?

 

[BethR.Rattie1440]

Even if the cage has a shallow pan you can either get a big deep pan or bin to put in it instead or can just leave the shallow pan with nothing in it or a fleece liner (binder clipped down) and add a decent size bin onto the pan with bedding in it. They'll play, burrow and sleep in it, even go to the bathroom. Try potty training them, will help keep the cage cleaner longer and lest time for you to maintain. I have vertical bars on mine, they don't have problems with climbing. Use lots of shelves, platforms, hammocks, bridges, rope toys, etc. Try to be creative and make things yourself, can find all kinds of things for their cage in almost every department/isle in any store. You have any questions don't hesitate to ask.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Thank you, some great ideas here. Such a helpful supportive group! And, yes, I am sure I will have many more questions

 

[AdoreRats]

I used this for my cage.
The dimensions for my Perspex tray are W86 x D54 x H10cm.
I used hot glue to fix it together.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Very cool! And thank you for the details

 

[AdoreRats]

Oh by the way, the reason I told you the dimensions is in case you get the PetPlanet cage, so you wouldn't have to measure it out.

 

[CorbinDallasMyMan]

If I had the option, I'd probably choose the Little Zoo Venturer over the CN. If you want to see it in action, the Isamu Rat Care youtube channel has lots of videos showing what it looks like. They also have a video showing how they made deeper perspex trays.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

If I had the option, I'd probably choose the Little Zoo Venturer over the CN. If you want to see it in action, the Isamu Rat Care youtube channel has lots of videos showing what it looks like. They also have a video showing how they made deeper perspex trays.

Thank you. What bits do you like more about the Little Zoo Venturer if you don't mind me asking? I can only find a couple of places that sell it and no reviews online.

 

[CorbinDallasMyMan]

The Venturer is bigger than the CN, it has deeper trays, more levels, and I like the color better. If they're both a similar price, you wouldn't go wrong with either cage, though!

If you're planning building an extra deep perspex/acrylic base tray, the Critter Nation might be a better option because the base of the tray can sit on the bottom shelf and you'd still be able to roll the cage around if you needed.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Thank you - really helpful input. Really appreciate it. Anyone on here got the Little Zoo Venturer? Would be interested to know how hard wearing it is. I also liked the look of the Savic Royal Suite but I'm not sure if it's made any more?

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Another difference I've spotted is the depth - the Venturer is 68cm deep (compared to Critter Nation c 61cm), which is great in terms of extra space but might make it rather harder to accommodate. But on watching a few videos, I like the idea of being able to sit a perspex tray inside the Venturer metal tray. Has anyone done similar for the Critter Nation rather than dropping the perspex to the storage shelf? I quite like the idea of taking out the upper level anyway so I think there would be room?

 

[AdoreRats]

I took the middle out of my PetPlanet cage, it means they can run around more. The levels can always be placed so they have a two storey platform thing.
The PetPlanet cage is much easier to find in the uk, whereas the cn is much more expensive for the same thing.

 

[FirstTimeRatKeeper]

Thank you. I really like the idea of using lots of branches and stuff, though it's a bit daunting working out how to make as much space as usable as possible!

 

[AdoreRats]

Basically stuff it with everything you have. Rats are very intelligent and should have lots to keep their mind active. My boys are extremely lazy and sleep all day, every day.