[skottiesgerl]

cool decorative tube or ladder

I recently lost a ladder to a higher level of my three tier cage. So I tried to come up with a way for the babies to travel through all levels of cage but did not want it to be plain or boring so I created a decorative tunnel... here is what you need...

4" pvc pipe cut to desired length. 220 gauge sand paper, decorative tape, and 18" zip ties.

step 1. Sand any sharp edges down. and scour inside of tube with something to create good traction for babies feet. rinse tube well. dry.
Step 2. wrap pvc tube in decorative tape of your choosing in any pattern you desire...

Step 3. Secure to cage in desired position with zip ties...

hope you like...


Mother of Leo and Cozmo Kramer
8- 10 week old baby brother fancy rats.

 

[CindrDoLLy]

This is something I've done for plastic shelves in the past.

1) Buy envelope fasteners from the office section of any department/grocery store
2) Use a drill gun to drill a small hole (same circumference as fasteners) through each corner of the plastic shelf
3) Measure the shelf and cut out fleece square that's the same size
4) Use scissors to snip out tiny holes in each corner of the fleece
5) Fasten the fleece to the shelf and cut off any excess material

For added absorbency, I also started buying puppy piddle pads and cutting them to size to put under the fleece.

When it's time to clean the cage, undo the fasteners and remove fleece/pads. Depending on how much your rats chew the fabric, you can wash the fleece to reuse, or just cut new squares. If the fasteners are caked in urine or poop, use new fasteners. They're pretty cheap so it's not too big of a deal. I've found this mostly helps keep the plastic shelves clean! (Except my foster rats would choose one shelf to chew up all the fabric and leave the others unharmed.) Still better than having to scrub every shelf!

 

[VampireSmeezeGirls]

I work part time in a hardware store and wear out jeans with amazing regularity. Cut into shorts and legs. Snip out front pockets, sew closed. Hem loose edges. I use bias tape and make a loop with it for hanging. Instant pocket hammocks, tubes or bunkbeds.My rats have generally been good about not massacring the loops or button holes but grommets must be chewed out. Use whatever attachment method works for you.

 

[PurpleGirl]

I started making these treat boxes for my rats last year as a boredom-breaker, they were a hit with my brood and I made a simple tutorial to upload to my deviantART profile, here:

http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&global=1&q=making+a+treat+box#/d4cfs7e

 

[CapnKennedy]

I started making these treat boxes for my rats last year as a boredom-breaker, they were a hit with my brood and I made a simple tutorial to upload to my deviantART profile, here:

http://browse.deviantart.com/?qh=&section=&global=1&q=making+a+treat+box#/d4cfs7e

This is possibly the best thing I've seen for treats yet!

 

[never-sleep]

I don't have a sewing machine so I can't sew, but I make a killer no-sew hammock.

The No-Sew Cozy Hammock!

Step 1- Get a large peice of fabric (preferably fleece), about 13 inches wide, and 18 inches long (or desired size).

Step 2- Cut an even squares in both top corners. 3"x3" or 3 [SUP]1[/SUP]/[SUB]2[/SUB]"x 3 [SUP]1[/SUP]/[SUB]2[/SUB]".

Step 3- Fold the fabric, stopping at the bottom of the squares.

Step4- Fringe the sides, begin where the squares end. [SUP]3[/SUP]/[SUB]4[/SUB] of an inch wide, same length as you squares.

Step 5- Tie the fringed peices together. Front piece to back piece.

***HANG AS DESIRED***

Adjust measurements as needed.


Should look something like this:

***I used zip ties for the loops.***

 

[mameur]

if you guys don't know how to sow by hand or having trouble check this youtube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06T0C3RWfxY

thats how i learned and i am making some pretty good homes, tunnels, hammocks ect

 

[Mochi42]

I have been looking for something like this and couldn't find it anywhere! Thanks so much!!!!!!

 

[Snutting11509]

if you guys don't know how to sow by hand or having trouble check this youtube vid http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=06T0C3RWfxY

thats how i learned and i am making some pretty good homes, tunnels, hammocks ect

View attachment 10135 View attachment 10136 View attachment 10137

How did you make the dome in the first picture? its very cute!

 

[mameur]

How did you make the dome in the first picture? its very cute!

thank you but i just followed the regular cube method on this page http://www.bruxnboggle.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&p=17450 with a few differences i made a slightly larger bottom i also made a bigger hole and cut 4 circular pieces of fabric and sewed them on each side of the hole nothing really special just a few tweaks use your imagination draw a plan first it might help hope this helps good luck

 

[CapnKennedy]

I found this hammock and made it for my two. ;D Normally it would have taken two hours but things kept getting pushed in front so it took like a month or two..but I finished it last night!

http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-Rat-Hammock/

 

[anglethatispurple]

Just thought i'd post this great link here for a PDF of tutorials for hammock, cubes and tubes ect. http://www.finchaviary.com/Rat/Rat Tutorials/RatTutorials.htm

 

[Shye]

CN covers!

Does anyone know of a place to find out how to make PROPER critter nation bottom pan and shelf covers? I don't like just clipping it on and a proper shelf cover would be quicker than big clips anyway. I'd prefer something that sat on top with elastics that holds it down or has corner pockets that slip on the corners to hold it down nice and snug.
Also would like to know how to make a ramp cover that has an elastic at the open end to hold it on.

I can make it myself but I'm too novice to do it without like.. instructions lol. Or step by step photos. The instructions always help make it look more "finished" and neat. This is a must for my OCD self lolol.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Laura]

I made some for a friend a few years back, and I sewed edges on them.... Like a 3 inch edge to wrap around the bottom of the pan. BUT, make sure the stretch goes the same way for the edges and the liner... otherwise they can be hard to get on. You can add velcro to the bottom of the pans on the longer edges to create more of a finished look, and keep your ratties from pulling it up and sneaking underneath

As for sizing, just flip your pans upside down on the fleece an trace

 

[Laura]

or another idea is to make a "pillow case" and then just make the top piece a few inches longer than the bottom, add some velcro, and you are good to go. Again, just use your trays and shelves to draw a template.

I will probably be going this route, but adding a towel and PUL layer to the top fleece layer.

 

[Shye]

Haha.. yeah thanks! I can't conceptualize the "edges".. I'm a picture person. And with sizing, I figured as much, but then some styles need larger fleece allowance or like.. I didn't know if you needed to leave room for the stitching (I have a machine). Like I say, NOVICE lol

 

[Laura]

I've got to make some tomorrow. New boy coming. I'll make up a tutorial for them as I go


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[Shye]

OK Thanks! You're awesomeee! I'm a first time fleece user, I never did it with the first 6 rats I had.. I always used litter and all and bought accessories. Now I want to make things because I enjoy it but sometimes I'm kind of... bad. Please let me know how you secure the liners down, too! My elastic attempt was sub-par and I saw one person use grommets but I"m not sure how she's making that work for a liner. I'm getting 1 nice set from someone who sells them so maybe I'll copy what she does haha.

 

[SanRenei]

I am super excited to see your tutorial. I'm decent with a sewing machine, and I've tried to make some pan and shelf liners, but I can't figure out how to keep our little ones from getting under them.

 

[flamegurl]

You can make a hammock without sewing too!! Just make some pants into shorts (jean material is strong) and use the end of the jeans. Then cut slits into four corners, and attach shower curtain rods!
I had used string at first, but we know how rats love string
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