1. If your using a critter nation, just use a cement mixing pan. It's a heck of a lot cheaper. I think emiology made hers with either acrylic or plexiglass. You need a special glue for acrylic, and you could use silicone or really strong tape for plexiglass. There are lots of tutorials on the internet, you'll find everything you need to know in just a couple google searchs.
2. You can find hemp bedding on amazon and other online stores, just keep in mind that it's usually marketed for horses, not small pets. I personally wouldn't reccomend hemp, it's really uncomfrotable for rats and other small mammals. Aspen and paper bedding both work well, and are miles better, as far as comfort goes. You could also use fleece, but it's really high maitenence and I wouldn't reccomend it for a beginner.
3. Free roam time is the best time to bond with your rats imo. Sit down in the play area cross-legged and cover your legs with a blanket. Sprinkle treats on the blanket. Soon, your rats will be comfortable near you and you can start the hand taming process. There are lots of different taming methods, bu this one is my favorite.
4. I make all of mine myself, so I wouldn't know.
5. If you have rats that like to chew, I'd reccomend a glass bottle. I personally don't like using water bottles larger than eight oz because it wastes so much water, you gonna be switching out the water daily, so you might as well just get small ones. You will need at least on water source per rat. For example, I have six rats, and I am currently using four bottles and three bowls. I would reccomend providing a water bowl even if it won't be for drinking. Rats really love to play with the water in their bowls, so providing one for enrichment alone is a great reason. One time I got a battery powered reptile fountain for my rats. They LOVED it! No one ever talks about it, but rats really love open water.
6. Aspen mixed with Katee Clean and Cozy has been my favorite.
7. There are LOADS of tutorials on YT.
8. Rats are destructive, they chew on baseboards if you let them. The chew on EVERYTHING! They are also very prone to illness. In my experience, an indevidual rat will go average about three vet trips in their lifespan, more if they have a tumor or something that needs to be checked regularly. A vet fund for rats should be $500 minimum.
9. Oxbow is the best imo.
10. My rats don't really like comercial rat products, so I end up making most of their accesories.
