[LT_2022]

There's info on DIY wooden rat cages online if you're still going ahead with that. I'm not sure if wood sealer is safe to use. What kind of wood are you using? Some wood are harmful to rats.

Critter Nations are really popular if you end up getting one I have a double... for one rat 😅 There are other similar cages such as Full Cheeks (a Petsmart only brand) and Exotic Nutrition (pricey) and Prevue. Amazon Basics apparently had a small animal cage that is nearly identical to a double Critter Nation at one point but it's been discontinued. I saw a mention of accessories for it on an Etsy shop. Look around on FB Marketplace, FeeCycle, Buy Nothing, etc for used cages.

Are these your first rats?

 

[LT_2022]

This will be my second time with rats, but I'm ashamed to say my first was impulsive and I did no research, so they had cheap food and no free roam time. I'm determined to do it right this time though and give my boys the best I can.

Don't feel bad 🤗 Almost everyone was once in your shoes: impulse buy or adoption with zero clue on how to actually take care of the critter. But you learn and then apply what you learn to future pets.

Maybe start saving money for a possible future CN / other good rat cage and make it clear to you mom that's what the money is for. It doesn't have to be brand new. As I mentioned above, check for used cages on FB Marketplace, etc. If you don't end up needing a new cage, then the money can go towards something else like unexpected expensive vet bills for the rats (exotic vets are way more expensive than cat / dog vets and many parents don't want to bother).

I wonder if you can use a cement mixing tub as the base and build the cage around it? Lots of people put a cement mixing tub in the bottom of their CN. It allows for digging and keeps bedding in. There are probably things similar to a cement mixing tub but are bigger if your cage is going to be huge.