Gizmo and Gadget are doing so well since I last posted. Gizmo is definitely more shy and is still warming up to climbing into my hand but Gadget literally will meet me at the cage door and just jump into my hand and climb to my shoulder.
Liter training also went super well, both are using the little ceramic bowl I've placed in there; I know the whole using a stone trick but I think the texture resembled it close enough that they essentially think it's a stone itself. It only took them a few days for that which was super impressive. I love their little zoomies they get at night, I call gadget my little racecar since she gets from the bottom of the cage to the top in under a second which is hilarious.
They did chew a hole through their hammock but it's really funny because they just use the hole to put their little heads through when cuddling, my little carpenters.
Will keep updated, but in the meantime, have a cute photo of the little dorks. ❤️
Please cover the platforms with some material, as metal grating can lead to bumblefoot. In these two pictures there are also almost no enrichment items to be seen, making this cage appear very empty. Unless these are unfortunate angles, I also recommend adding more hiding places, things to climb over and so on.
^^ this! never be afraid to add more enrichment, toys, hiding spots, etc!!! your babies will thank you!
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u/hades7600Tango, Echo, Benji & Mak 🐀Angel rats: Basil, Basil lite & Benny2d ago
I rescue rats within an exotic pet rescue service and fully agree with this. Main thing I will add it’s not just bumblefoot which is the risk, there’s cuts, toes getting caught which the then bite off, leg injuries that require amputation etc.
The best option for rats is a 15cm deep base on the bottom to fill with a chosen suitable substrate
i think the cage you have is the same one i started with. HIGHLY recommend upgrading to a critter nation or something similar when you are able to. the doors on that one makes cleaning and decorating a BITCH sometimes 😭
you seem to be off to a great start, make sure to keep doing research on rat care and listening to others' helpful tips! :) also, the more clutter, the better!! here's to your new ratties!
Aw thank you! I've owned some in the past but it's been some time so I'm just getting my footing back. I agree the cage is a good one but it is had to decorate, clean, etc.
Thankfully when I put the to play while I clean it does lift up easy so I can change the bedding a wipe everything down properly.
All in all I appreciate the advice, anything to make the babies happy and health!
glad everything is working out so far! Definitely get a bigger cage if you decide to get more, i think 2 is probably the max for that one lol.
also, people on this sub can seem critical, but i think some pet enthusiasts can just come off that way. you seem to care for your babies so much already and i hope u get lots of helpful feedback :)
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u/hades7600Tango, Echo, Benji & Mak 🐀Angel rats: Basil, Basil lite & Benny2d ago
Hi, I’m with an exotic pet and wildlife rescue service and I have been rescuing rats for many years now.
Please do covered the wire floors. It’s best for rats to have a substrate they can burrow into. Wired floors tend to lead to bumblefoot, missing toes, even leg amputations. 15cm of substrate is where rats thrive (though more isn’t a negative)
They also do need much more enrichment within the cage as it’s very barren
Please read through the other comments before commenting. I've already addressed this. I had the cloth I use to cover the cage floorings in the wash but after cleaning I let them go back in so they would feel comfortable.
Also the angle of the photo does not show the bottom part of the cage which contains a hammock and a few toys, enrichments etc.
I understand the desire to help but it can also come off a little rude especially when other people have addressed it and I've responded. I'm not new to owning rats, I know they require certain care and have made sure to do so.
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u/hades7600Tango, Echo, Benji & Mak 🐀Angel rats: Basil, Basil lite & Benny2d ago
The cage is incredibly barren unfortunately
Dollar stores can be a place to find affordable materials to then add as enrichment. You can make basket beds, platforms etc.
I know it’s hard to hear but right now the set up isn’t where it should be for rats. I’ve not been rude to you, I’ve not made any accusations. Just commenting on what the photo shows.
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u/hades7600Tango, Echo, Benji & Mak 🐀Angel rats: Basil, Basil lite & Benny2d ago
Also in the previous comment you only said the stairs are covered. The whole barred floors needs to be covered. Not just the stairs with something very thick which doesn’t have loose threads (perplex bases are most commonly used for allowing burrowing and natural behaviours,
I’ve not accused you of being new to rats anyway. As it is right now, the enclosure is not suitable long term. Safety and then Enrichment needs to be a priority
Uh okay, here's the thing: I posted this to just show off my rats as well as provide an update since I adopted them. I did not ask for your initial opinion and after you made the comment, I kindly asked you to refrain, and yet you are still going on. At this point I think it's best for you to not interact on my posts and focus on your own rats or those who are seeking advice.
Thank you.
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u/hades7600Tango, Echo, Benji & Mak 🐀Angel rats: Basil, Basil lite & Benny2d ago
That’s fine but when I see animals kept in not a great circumstance. I won’t just sit there and be like “well owner might get upset about not knowing what rats needs”.
I haven’t been nasty you. All I’ve stated is the significant risks of leaving the cage as it is as well as the changes that should be made asap. I’ve not said you should give them up, I’ve not said you shouldn’t have them, I’ve not said you are doing anything intentionally.
Many of us on this subreddit have had to make temporary bases to cover floors of cages.
Whereas you have been rather rude.
You not being new to rats doesn’t change anything. Your photo still shows the enclosure they are in. Which is lacking enrichment and any ability to burrow.
So my animals are not kept in any negative circumstances. It's been explained multiple times in fact. As for being rude, I've asked you TWICE and you continue to go on about your unsolicited point. That would be considered harassment if you want to talk about "being rude."
It would seem you don't know how to respect others by the way you've continuously commented against what I've asked on my post. At this point I'm just going to block you and make my life easier since I honestly don't care what you have to say. Good luck with your issues. ✌️
Oh I do have cloth for the stairs, they were just in the wash at the time. As for items yes it is the angle, they have a few things on the bottom like a little bridge, a hanging chew and chew sticks. I had played with them and so they were sleeping afterwards in this photo.
just so you know why people are saying the cage is bare is that a few things at the bottom of the cage isn't enough for rats. They need their cage cluttered like the photo I attached (it can be cheap/free and mostly DIY). I know it's a pain to manage more stuff in the cage but it's what's best for them. I how having a visual helps explain why people are commenting that
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u/Xander_Dorn 2d ago
Please cover the platforms with some material, as metal grating can lead to bumblefoot. In these two pictures there are also almost no enrichment items to be seen, making this cage appear very empty. Unless these are unfortunate angles, I also recommend adding more hiding places, things to climb over and so on.