[ratbusters]

Awww... so exciting getting ready for new rats!
About the cage, what were you thinking of making it out of? My only advice would be to not use wood, as they will pee on it and it will absorb the smell. Something non porous and fully wipeable is good.
Keep us posted!

 

[ratbusters]

Unfortunately, I started making it out of wood before I realized maybe that was a bad idea. But I sealed the wood with a water-based sealant and the bottom is going to have plexiglass over it. The edges will be sealed with an aquarium sealer as well, so hopefully, pee soaking in won't be a problem. (But if it becomes one I will definitely be getting a critter nation which I realize now I should have just gone with in the first place -.-) Also, all the reachable wood will be covered with wire so chewing through shouldn't be a problem, and the front, back, and sides will be wire so it should have plenty of airflow. I'm hoping it works out for me, I've really been thinking about how to make it all come together into a decent cage.

I bet they will love the bits of wood that they can access - rats love chewing!
You could also check if the wood is treated, and maybe do a bit of online research about safety regarding treated wood and rodents.