First I apologize for the length. I'm kinda excited and want to make sure I get this right. I barely got any sleep when I got home from work this morning because I couldn't stop planning what to do and trying to come up with names, etc...
I spent all last night here and at Darksong17's website clicking around on links (great information btw). I have in mind what I plan to get accomplished today but wanted to first put it in writing somewhere so I can make sure I don't forget anything but also run it by some seasoned rat owners to see if there are any glaring problems with what I have in mind.
The girls (two baby females - my husband didn't say how old but he said they are 'adult mouse size' now) will live in a 30wX12dX12h aquaruim with a latch top. Hopefully when they get bigger we will get them a larger cage but for now I hope this will be adequate.
Once the boys wake up from their nap we will get some Regal Rat (I called our local pet store and they not only carry it but they have a bag in the store) and probably Yesterday's News and a litter box and possibly a couple small toys or chewies. Until then I plan to make a fleece hammock and a fleece crawly tube and braid a rope out of the fleece scraps.
Here is what I have so far (yes, I plan to clean them as soon as I finish typing):
I read everywhere that the tissue box will be fun but is the opening too big? And I figured I would put the Gerber Graduates tub in there too but didn't know if it should be on it's side or if I should cut a hole in it and stand it up? Also I plan to use the white wire pantry shelf and secure a larger wooden platform and make a ramp and put these over the litter box for more play area.
I also have some shredded paper for bedding but didn't know if I could use some disposable diaper changing pads instead (they were free samples that I never used) since I have those laying around the house. Ideally I'd like to use fabric like most of you but until the girls get somewhat potty trained I thought I could save myself some frustration.
And finally, the small tank on top is what I thought I'd send with my husband to pick up the rats. It is 12X6X8, would that scare you if someone came to pick up baby rats in that? It's just for transport and also has a mesh latch top. I thought I would put a fleece scrap or shredded paper in there for bedding.
I spent all last night here and at Darksong17's website clicking around on links (great information btw). I have in mind what I plan to get accomplished today but wanted to first put it in writing somewhere so I can make sure I don't forget anything but also run it by some seasoned rat owners to see if there are any glaring problems with what I have in mind.
The girls (two baby females - my husband didn't say how old but he said they are 'adult mouse size' now) will live in a 30wX12dX12h aquaruim with a latch top. Hopefully when they get bigger we will get them a larger cage but for now I hope this will be adequate.
Once the boys wake up from their nap we will get some Regal Rat (I called our local pet store and they not only carry it but they have a bag in the store) and probably Yesterday's News and a litter box and possibly a couple small toys or chewies. Until then I plan to make a fleece hammock and a fleece crawly tube and braid a rope out of the fleece scraps.
Here is what I have so far (yes, I plan to clean them as soon as I finish typing):

I read everywhere that the tissue box will be fun but is the opening too big? And I figured I would put the Gerber Graduates tub in there too but didn't know if it should be on it's side or if I should cut a hole in it and stand it up? Also I plan to use the white wire pantry shelf and secure a larger wooden platform and make a ramp and put these over the litter box for more play area.
I also have some shredded paper for bedding but didn't know if I could use some disposable diaper changing pads instead (they were free samples that I never used) since I have those laying around the house. Ideally I'd like to use fabric like most of you but until the girls get somewhat potty trained I thought I could save myself some frustration.
And finally, the small tank on top is what I thought I'd send with my husband to pick up the rats. It is 12X6X8, would that scare you if someone came to pick up baby rats in that? It's just for transport and also has a mesh latch top. I thought I would put a fleece scrap or shredded paper in there for bedding.