Rat cage advice please

[OrmRenewed]

Our old cage is getting rusty and increasingly hard to clean. This one looks about the same size but a bit worried about the wooden shelves - won't they just get chewed to bits?

Any opinions?

Thanks

DH built a wooden cage, they didn't chew their way out, it lasted quite well. Actually, they did chrew thru the plastic tray at the bottom a few times -- until DH reinforced its sides with aluminium and plywood strips.

How many rats do you have? Here's a calculator to check if the Chinchilla cage is big enough.

Rust doesn't harm the rats, btw, it's just oxidised iron.

Think it prob depends on your rats whether they'd chew the wooden shelves, mine would demolish them in no time without a doubt, yet they have no desire to chew their plastic ones. Friends rat is opposite and will chew anything plastic!

It's for 3 females. So it's just big enough.

I know the rust doesn't hurt them but it's hard to get it clean.

BTW we keep lino on the bottom of the cage to stop the bars damaging their feet. Is this strictly neccessary?

yes the lino is necessary, the wires can lead to something called bumble feet I think, quite nasty. Even cardboard would be better than wire flooring.

OK thanks. I only ask as they have successfully chewed bit bits out of it.

Right I have ordered it. We are bit limited due to space. I am going to string up another platform I think, or maybe some tubes. Their current sleeping pod will fit on the bottom floor,

It's not big enough for three does, IMO. Does are very active compared to bucks and need more climbing space. Plus, the wooden shelves will soak up urine and smell. Badly.

You can get the Ferplast Jenny cages really easily and cheaply second hand, as a lot of people don't like them due to access problems. I have three though and they are fine, as my rats will come to the doors if I call them.

You can get a Jenny from here for just under £70 brand new with free delivery. I have used the company and thy are great.

www.equinecaninefeline.com/catalog/small-animals_rats_cages.html

Sorry... and the Jenny has powder coated bars so will be easier to keep clean and won't rust, and has no mesh floor, so wil make life a lot easier and it'll be easier to provide substrate the girls can dig about/nest in.

What midori said. Wood smells badly!

Personally, the smallest I'd use is this and only if they were small rats. Especially females who are far more active than boys.

I don't think that one is much smaller than the one I linked to kaloki. They are very small does - born to a very young rescued mother. Their current cage is similar size but one with more storeys - I am going to add one with another platform.

Hmmm the smelly wood might be a problem... didn't think of that.

Vinegar on the wood or biological detergent seemed to clear most the smell. You can use (diluted) the milder essential oils, too (lavender and tea tree).

Great! THanks lljkk.

I have that cage and it doesn't smell. I have an antibac spray I got from the pet shop which I use after I wash it.

I'm wanting a new rat as one of ours died last week

So sorry mugglewump .

Glad the cage is good. Sadly I asked for it to be delivered to work and now I'd trashed the car I can't pick it up