Pet Rats- what do i entail to buy?
i am buying two pet rats quite soon,
i need a complete account of everything they will need- i don't want to forget anything!
also if there are any cheep solutions for toys they will need (like stuff i can find around my domestic or make)
then your suggestions would be great!
thanks!
Answers: This is my own sheet I made for myself when I plan on getting rats, cut out most of the stuff you probably already know
Martin's Cage (get powder-coated cage)
Nesting box
Exercise Wheel- solid surface, not too small to arch back (Wodent Wheel Sr. 11"D) (Do Not gain ball, rats hate them)
Bedding
Water Bottle feeder
Waste Bowl/Litter? (can potty train them, just take longer)
Food bowl (ceramic or porcelain-won't tip,can't chew, easy to clean)
Heavy crockery dog/cat bowl (for water bowl to wash/keep cool-add an ice dice in hot summer | big enough to have rat rest surrounded by it)
Baking Soda (< only if odor is still strong)
Large clean stone/brick (in shut within to wear down their nails | in front water container?)
Water from pet store (in marine bottle)
Pellet food (high quality->Harlan Teklad) #2014 protein sensitive/overweight rat | #8604 best nutrition | #2018 next best
Chew toys (dog biscuits, safe chew toys, unpainted+untreated piece of wood, chicken bones, etc)
BIODOR- get at life-size pet chain stores, neutralizes odors in dissipate internally
Treats? (commercial treat sticks good, but often very sweet)
(a)Bedding types to try- Carefresh Ultra- smaller quantity dusty then Carefresh Regular, be careful of dust/allergy
Cage Tech- (Carefresh equiv) cheaper 33lbs/$12 by Harlan Teklad
White Tek Fresh- less dusty than Reg Tek Fresh by Harlan Teklad
Tek-Chip Pelleted Paper- (YN's equiv)
Yesterday's News-be punctilious of harmful objects
Eco-bedding
Toys-
Toilet/paper towel rolls Paper towels Tree branchTubesSocksRopesEgg Cartons
Shelves- (best are melamine boards cause can slide between bars of shut within, convenient to remove, can be wiped down)
House with holes- for fun (cardboard box with holes cut contained by it)
Ladders- made of popsicle sticks/chinese chopsticks or buy wooden bird ladders
Cardboard Boxes- cut holes in them to be more fun
Hammocks- cut shape out of old Tshirt, use safekeeping pins to pin it inside cage
(a)Super Pet Critter Roll-a-Nest
May not last long, but this 3 in globe with access holes in the sides is made from natural grass fibers woven onto a sturdy support frame. A hit for both playing contained by and chewing on, and it is inexpensive enough to replace as needed.
(a)Chewbular Play Tube
While toilet paper/paper towel rolls can be used for toys, some experts have expressed concern over the potential toxicity of adhesives used surrounded by these products. Chewbular tubes are cardboard colored with safe vegetable dyes.
(a)Nut Knot Nibbler (get small version)
This toy keeps them inhabited for a while - lots of wood for safe chewing and an almond in the center.
(a)Build-n-Bites
These pieces of natural wood are colored beside vegetable dyes and each pack has a variety of geometric shapes. The pieces can be amalgamated together in various configuration to make your own rat play structures which are well brought-up for climbing and chewing. Get the large pack with more pieces for greater flexibility.
(a)Super Pet Pop-It-Up Houses
Cute, though it is just a cardboard box. However, mice give the impression of being to love exploring (then destroying) new boxes and these are unique, and pretty inexpensive. They come in a castle and cottage designs.
(a)Critter Ka-Bobs for Small Pets
Cute toy which is essentially a sagging rod with a bell on the end. You can string a variety of toys on the rod. Can be customized and changed for choice with a selection of chew toys also available (a couple of wood blocks are included with the rough toy, but the deluxe package gives you a good choice right off the bat).
(a)Busy Bunny Basket of Sticks
A chew toy. It's a mini willow basket (2.5x2 in.) complete with fruit tree twigs. Both twigs and basket are chewable and will keep your rats engaged for a bit.
(a)Natural Fiber Hideaway Slumber Hut
This house probably won't last long, but your rat will enjoy it for hiding, sleeping, and chewing. Made of all organic grass fibers.
(a)Climbing Blocks
Food-
(a)Harlan Teklad- #8604, #2018, #2014 formulas
Treats- fed to rats sparingly
Nutriphase's Yogurt Drops
Yogies
Homemade treats-
http://hubpages.com/hub/Homemade-Rat-Die...
http://www.ratsrule.com/recipes.html
Think that's all you wanted to know :) Hope this help!
