10 replies to this topic

[~Iris Sun~]

• Is the Critter Nation Single Story suitible for 2 or more rats? Here's the link for it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

 

• What type of bedding should I use? Should I use loose bedding such as safe beddings like carefresh, aspen shavings, etc or fleece?

 

• What is the best food mix avalible?

 

• How often should you feed Fruits and Vegetables?

 

• How much playtime do they need outside of there cage?

 

• Do rats need wheels like hamsters do?

 

• Can rats be bathed in water?

Thanks in advance!

[PeanutTheDwarf]

I think I can actually answer some of those lol 

They need at least 1 hour of play time outside of their cage and you should have a designated free roaming area for them!

Rats can be bathed in water but not often and not so much water they need to swim, also not a lot of soap! (Pea fishing is a fun thing for them to do!)

 

 

 

Um well I don't know much about rat care BUT Emiology is a great rat care channel and all of your questions have answers!! 

 

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk8NTBQ6xd1pI9YfcSU2NZw/videos

Edited by PeanutTheDwarf, 13 January 2021 - 03:00 AM.

[Whitewhiskers]

 

• Is the Critter Nation Single Story suitible for 2 or more rats? Here's the link for it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

That would probably be okay for 2 rats, I wouldn’t do 3 in that though. 

• What type of bedding should I use? Should I use loose bedding such as safe beddings like carefresh, aspen shavings, etc or fleece?

I think fleece is great, or paper bedding

• What is the best food mix avalible?

 

• How often should you feed Fruits and Vegetables?

 

• How much playtime do they need outside of there cage?

I recommend taking them out for a few hours

• Do rats need wheels like hamsters do?

They can have wheels, but it is not a necessity 

• Can rats be bathed in water?

I believe so

Thanks in advance!

I don’t own rats but from the research I’ve done this should be right!

[~Iris Sun~]

I don’t own rats but from the research I’ve done this should be right!

Thanks!

[a little furry thing]

 

• Is the Critter Nation Single Story suitible for 2 or more rats? Here's the link for it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I've heard some people say up to 6 rats, but I wouldn't reccomend any more than 3.

• What type of bedding should I use? Should I use loose bedding such as safe beddings like carefresh, aspen shavings, etc or fleece?

My favorite loose bedding for rats is a mix of aspen and some sort of paper bedding. 

• What is the best food mix avalible?

My favorite is Oxbow Adult Rat

• How often should you feed Fruits and Vegetables?

How often depends on how much you give them each time you feed them enrichment food.

• How much playtime do they need outside of there cage?

I give my rats about two hours of playtime outside their cage everyday, but they still want more. Rats should have an hour minimum.

• Do rats need wheels like hamsters do?

It's not a necesity, but they enjoy them.

• Can rats be bathed in water?

They can, but I wouldn't reccomend it.

 

Thanks in advance!

 

[lil BIG dwarf]

• Is the Critter Nation Single Story suitible for 2 or more rats? Here's the link for it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Yep! I wouldn't have more than 3 or 4 max in there, though. Also check used sites as I've seen doubles or even quadriples go up for 100-300, sometimes with supplies included

• What type of bedding should I use? Should I use loose bedding such as safe beddings like carefresh, aspen shavings, etc or fleece?

Fleece is less absorbent and requires more frequent washing, as well as providing less enrichment. I prefer loose bedding personally, though

 

• What is the best food mix avalible?

I believe Oxbow Rat is a good one, but there are some others too

• How often should you feed Fruits and Vegetables?

Maybe every 2 days?

 

• How much playtime do they need outside of there cage?

I would suggest an hour minimum daily 

 

• Do rats need wheels like hamsters do?

Some say yes, some say no. If you do use one, use a 12 inch

 

• Can rats be bathed in water?

They can, but like ALFT said, its not good for them and dosen't really benifit anything

[marshmallow12345]

yes that cage is good just make sure you have many climbing opportunities like hammocks ladders etc. i would use fleece with a dig box (a box filled with bedding for them to dig) and i would suggest either using a bowl or scatter feeding in the digbox. mazuri rat and mouse blocks. you should feed veggies everyday-every other day and fruits as a treat. they need lots of playtime if you want rats that will like you. they do not need wheels but if you do get wheels you need a 12+ inch wheel. most people dont use wheels but it could offer extra exercise. 

[lil BIG dwarf]

yes that cage is good just make sure you have many climbing opportunities like hammocks ladders etc. i would use fleece with a dig box (a box filled with bedding for them to dig) and i would suggest either using a bowl or scatter feeding in the digbox. mazuri rat and mouse blocks. you should feed veggies everyday-every other day and fruits as a treat. they need lots of playtime if you want rats that will like you. they do not need wheels but if you do get wheels you need a 12+ inch wheel. most people dont use wheels but it could offer extra exercise. 

 

Mazuri changed there recipe, and now have too much protein. Scatttering food in the dig box, or using a loose substrate, is a good idea, too

[marshmallow12345]

oh mazuri changed the recipe? thanks for telling me i didnt know!

[tinypatters]

 

• Is the Critter Nation Single Story suitible for 2 or more rats? Here's the link for it: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NJ0DAE/ref=twister_B07J2MML6K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Like what others have said, no more than 3 or 4 in there should be good =)

• What type of bedding should I use? Should I use loose bedding such as safe beddings like carefresh, aspen shavings, etc or fleece?

I personally prefer paper pellets. As long as they are not dusty, they should be fine for your pet rat(s). Also I would consider shredded paper or shredded cardboard if I ran out of paper pellets; however, shredded paper materials tend to produce dust, so you'll have to remove the dust before using it as bedding. 

If you do choose to go with wood shavings, you will want to avoid cedarwood and pinewood as they can adversely affect your pet rat(s). Avoid clay cat litter at all costs due to the dust! I learnt about the cat clay litter tip from this site: https://rodentaspet.com/how-often-to-change-a-pet-rodents-bedding/ The article also shows you how to make your own paper bedding which I found helpful.

 

• What is the best food mix avalible?

 

 

• How often should you feed Fruits and Vegetables?

Rats will take a nibble of everything you put before them. You could feed them vegetables and fruits on alternating days (i.e. vegetables one day and then fruits the next). You should always provide a variety of fruits, rather than just a slice of apple every time. 

 

• How much playtime do they need outside of there cage?

Like most people who've replied - at least 1 hour daily. If you can't afford to give full attention to your pet rat for the hour, you could also place it in a cardboard box filled with toys for it to play with. A great toy that I've made up is to cut out small holes in a toilet paper roll, and then make a slit at the ends so you can fold the ends closed. Before you fold the ends closed, put some treats in to let your rat 'forage' for them.

 

If you are new to handling rats, give it a couple of days from when you bring it home to get accustomed to its new domain. You may also want to start off slow and hold your pet rat for 5 minutes at multiple times during the day at the start when both of you are getting to know each other. Trust takes time to build and form, so be patient =)

• Do rats need wheels like hamsters do?

Not necessarily. I find that my rat does well with at least 1 hour outside of its cage daily. 

 

• Can rats be bathed in water?

I haven't tried with mine, but I'm sure if you use a soft-bristled toothbrush with some water, and if there's lots of trust between you and your pet rat, you'll be fine!

Thanks in advance!

 

 

Hiya! I tried to answer as best as I could in the quote above. I hope it helps you!

[Zula]

Hiya! I tried to answer as best as I could in the quote above. I hope it helps you!

Hey, it’s great you are using your knowledge to help others, however here on HH we try not to bring back older topics. I hope you understand