| Houseing Aquariums are easier to clean but theres not much ventalation and can cause rats to get alot of upper respritory infections. You also can't hang alot of toys for your rats. Also aquariums need to be cleaned more often due to buildup of soiled litter causing amonia to injiure a rats respritory tract. Wire cages have better ventalation and don't have to be cleaned as often. You should however clean the cage at least once a week. It is also much easier to hang toys and hammocks up. Solid shelves are better to keep rats from injiureing thier feet. For very little money you can also design and build your own cage. Thats what I did. Heres some cage ideas I have found around the net, includeing my own idea. Crystal Cage Rattery idea The Grotto Andrea's cool rat cage idea Camalot |
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| Beding Pine and cedar are harmful to rats due to the toxic fumes which cause upper respritory infections. Aspen, Corn cob, Carefresh, Yesterday's news, and rabbit pellets are better because they are safer for a rat's lungs. Less dust, and no absorpion additives. Water Hard plastic or glass is best and easiest to clean.Also get a bottle brush for cleaning. Food The best food for rats is lab blocks made especially for rats or a seed mix for rats and mice. fresh veggies and fruits are real good for rats as well as freeze dried ones.Don't forget treats. yogurt drops, nuts, and other small foods are great for this. But be careful not to give too many. Rat Food Recipes Toys Exercise is very important for a rats health. it keeps them fit and trim.It also keeps them from being bored when alone in thier cage.Toys are the best way for rats to achive this. Most toys made for rats, ferrets,cats,and birds are the best. Try to avoid toys made for hamsters and gerbals. They are very small and rats can injure thier feet and tails. Hammocks and nest boxes Hammocks and nest boxes are essential idems in a rat's cage. They give rats a place to sleep, rest, or hide from cagemates.You can make your own hammocks easily out of old pants legs. I also have several links on the link page where you can buy them. Nest boxes can be made out of wood or cardboard boxes. Pet stores sell igloos made of hard plastic. These make great nest boxes. Just make sure you buy ferret size. The smaller ones are to small for full grown rats. |
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