Ordered a New Cage
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You will need 2 people and a rubber mallet to assemble it... At least the mallet is very handy to bang parts into place. Also be warned... It is HEAVY.
I use lots of hammocks and climbing ropes in mine, along with 1 silent spinner wheel per section. If your rats are used to a much smaller cage, you might want to start them off just in one section of the CN (i.e. use the bottom pan in the top unit so that they do not have access to the bottom yet). That way, they will feel at home in the top unit before you introduce them to the bottom one as well.
I use lots of hammocks and climbing ropes in mine, along with 1 silent spinner wheel per section. If your rats are used to a much smaller cage, you might want to start them off just in one section of the CN (i.e. use the bottom pan in the top unit so that they do not have access to the bottom yet). That way, they will feel at home in the top unit before you introduce them to the bottom one as well.
We started with a 40G aquarium with stuff to climb as they girls had nothing at the store they came from. Honestly it took them awhile to learn to climb. They have mastered the art of climbing and are starting to jump really well now so I think they will love the room and adventures. They are all over the place in the aquarium. Esp Greta the Adventurer.
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They should love climbing on the bars then. I would advise taking out the ramps to the levels.. They can easily climb the walls to get where they want to go and it gives them more exercise than using the ramps (the ramps also take up lots of floor space).
If you are used to using litter, be warned, the pans in the DCN are very shallow, too shallow for litter. I had to replace mine with the stainless steel pans from Bass Equipment. They were expensive, but worth it IMO. If you try using fleece liners, use something absorbant below them to catch the urine and be prepared to change them often... I had to change mine every 3-4 days and that was with 3 rats in a DCN. I switched back to aspen in the Bass pans and have no smell issues now.
If you are used to using litter, be warned, the pans in the DCN are very shallow, too shallow for litter. I had to replace mine with the stainless steel pans from Bass Equipment. They were expensive, but worth it IMO. If you try using fleece liners, use something absorbant below them to catch the urine and be prepared to change them often... I had to change mine every 3-4 days and that was with 3 rats in a DCN. I switched back to aspen in the Bass pans and have no smell issues now.
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Beware that if you're having it shipped, some things may be bent. I found a hammer VERY useful when putting mine together. haha. Have another person there to help you for sure!
I use fleece as bedding in mine as the pans are very shallow.
I have a lot of hammocks, perches, hideys, I have a bird rope that they use as a tight rope, plastic cat toys.
Here's what my double critter nation currently looks like, it's a great cage choice!
![IMG_3834.jpg]()
I use fleece as bedding in mine as the pans are very shallow.
I have a lot of hammocks, perches, hideys, I have a bird rope that they use as a tight rope, plastic cat toys.
Here's what my double critter nation currently looks like, it's a great cage choice!
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624 Posts
Yes! Hammer is the way to go.
It WAS pretty funny watching my sister basically climbing on it, trying to fit the pieces in.
It WAS pretty funny watching my sister basically climbing on it, trying to fit the pieces in.
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624 Posts
Oh my GOSH. I love the little tree branches in the door, do they use it a lot? I may have to steal your idea. >
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They use it CONSTANTLY! they love climbing on those vs. using the ramps! They have quite a fun time with it! They also use them as chews.Oh my GOSH. I love the little tree branches in the door, do they use it a lot? I may have to steal your idea. >
This is where I got them, they come with hardware on them and everything!
http://www.whimsys-menagerie.com/sticksandstones.htm
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OH my GOSH! Thank you! You're awesome.
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Did you get the Thick sticks (AKA "whirls") ? Haha
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I actually just got the regular size ones and they were plenty big! They look small in that picture, but they aren't.
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