• new rats
• cages
• housing
• bedding
• exercise
• rat proofing
• how to...
• rat bite fever

Housing in the Cage

Boxes and Oatmeal Containers

Take a small box, cut the flaps off of the bottom, cut some holes in as windows and doors.  Wa-la, instant rat house.  I replace mine once a week.  For oatmeal containers, just put the container in and the rats will design the closed end to their own liking. 

Wooden Houses  

Wood might seem natural, and a good thing for chewing, but it has a lot of potential problems. Wood gets soaked with urine, and the small never comes out. It can never really be cleaned or disinfected. With wooden chew toys, you can throw them out every couple weeks, but you'd hesitate on that expensive nest box--even though it is filthy and smelly. When wood is wet, it has a tendency to grow molds (which will make you and your rats sick) or provide a hiding place for lice and mites. On top of all this, mosy wodden shelters made for pets are actually made of pine or cedar, which we've already covered the dangers of.

Plastic Igloos

  Plastic igloos are available at most any petstore.  I personally think that they are a little expensive, but theyare easily washable.   Some don't like them because of a lack of free-flowing air (ventilation).   This can be overcome easily by drilling more holes in the sides.

 

 

PVC Tubing

  Simple PVC tubing from a hardware store can make a wonderful, inexpensive home for rats.

Boxes

Cutting boxes is a simple and fun way to give your rats a home.  Your rats will chew on it, which is fine. Luckily it is easy to replace...and there is no cleaning involved!

     

Directions.  Take Box;                      cut bottom and side flaps off                   cut doorways in                          presto....rattie house.

Oatmeal Containers

Don't throw those cardboard Oatmeal containers away.  Give them to your rats to make a house from. 

     

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For more information on Rattie Express or any of our animals, please email me (Tara) at rattie.express@comcast.net.