Help! I'm guilt tripping!

[RKEM]

Ok, I'm a total idiot and I need help.

See, in 2 weeks, I'm moving. My monkey motel is so big and heavy that it has to be taken appart and moved by movers so I have to find some way to house my 4 rats overnight (from aroun 7PM till around 11AM the day after). The problem is, my rats are in two pairs. They cannot be all 4 together, it never worked and I certainly would never risk it in a smaller cage.

My problem is this: I only have one temp cage which is a Martins R-670 so I have to find housing for the two others. See, I don't frequent petstores so I mistakently thought that at the last minute I could just go there and pick up something suitable for a temp one-night cage.

Boy was I wrong. All I find are one floors hamsters cages like these



Or others with  multiple floors like this one



but the floors are wire ... horizontal wire about 1/4" appart but no vertical ... so its just wire instead of a grid and I'm afraid that they might get their feet trapped somehow. There are also other cages like rabbit ones but they are not secure enough. When PaiMei is in the R-670 I actually have to padlock the door because she escapes from it and she could definately squeeze herself through the bars of a rabbit cage ... and I'm sure she will be tempted to do so if stuck in a small cage.

I could build a temp cage out of a plastic bin, but then I'd be afraid of them chewing their way out.

So what do I do? I can't order a Martins, it will never get here in time. Any other ideas I might consider?

Am I better to just get two of the smaller hamster cages and plop one rat in each for that one night or should I go with the bigger one?

Alternatively there are bird cages but these have no floors or anything and frankly, I don't want to spend a fortune on cages which will be used once or twice.

 

[DolciLady]

What about an animal carrier as a very temp home?  That's something you could easily reuse again, so it wouldn't be a waste of money.  If that's not an option, I'd go with the plastic bin.  Put the vent holes high enough to where they can't easily chew.  If they had enough of their toys and stuff with their scents already on it, they'd probably not bother trying to get out.   If you decide to use a hamster cage, couldn't that become part of their regular home as a toy or mini-playhouse?  Whatever you decide, I'd definitely go with something you can get more use out of (or something you can easily turn around and sell) later on.  I'm a tightwad and always try to find multiple uses.


Hope this helps!
Robin

[RKEM]

Animal carriers are plastic too ... mine is already full of chew holes 

[jessiree]

If it's only overnight...I say get the smaller cage..make sure they get plenty of out time with you..and don't stress about it!    One night in a small cage isn't ideal, but it's certianly not the end of the world!  They'll manage!

[DolciLady]

My small pet travel cage has wire bars.  I'll post a pic when I can.

[Rat-love]

I've always had success with the plastic pet carriers--there is a brand called Bargain Hound at Petsmart for thirteen dollars (http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441780731&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023689&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302036609&bmUID=1123034559914).  They sell these at most Petsmarts I've been to, and can be found in the cat/dog carrier section.  They do not come completely assembled, but it's easy to put them together.

However, I used to put my rats in them to take them out on the town, so they were not in them for long periods at first. They did get used to them as second homes, and eventually spent nights in them about once a month.  They were not power chewers compared to some rats, I suspect, but if you get them used to the cages between now and the move, put their own stinky blankets in with them, etc.  I suspect you'll have few problems.  Whatever kind of enclosure you end up using, I might suggest adding a bowl for water instead of a bottle to help avoid mouth injuries in a moving car--the kind that hooks onto the side is good.  And I seatbelt in the cage, too.

[mishymoo37]

why not a 10 gallon tank???  a tank plus the lid will cost you under $20 at any walmart...

plus, you can use it as a quarantine/sick cage if needed or just take it out and let the kids play in it during play time (mine do that).  of course i have it already lined with bedding and toys, food, water, etc. inside to play it.  i guess it could double as a sort of "litter" place during playtime.  hope you can figure out what to do!

[trubandloki]

If it's only overnight...I say get the smaller cage..make sure they get plenty of out time with you..and don't stress about it!    One night in a small cage isn't ideal, but it's certianly not the end of the world!  They'll manage!

I agree with Jessiree.  Buy a small cage, even if it is single level.  It is only over night and they will be fine.  It will be like going a camping trip, rat style.  All their favorite treats and their mommy there, what more could they ask for.

[Ratwings]

Ehh, it's not even 24 hours, I wouldn't worry too much.  How big is the flat cage you pictured?  If you take the wheel out, it looks like it would make a great emergency travel cage.  Room for a hammock, a hidey-box, some space to run around... and it's only temporary.   I'm sure your rats would understand.

[Sapphire_Rats]

bird cage, a couple of home made hammocks and it's more "homey" than you think

[Katy M]

For travel cages and temporary housing for my rats, I use plastic bins (very heavy duty). I've had them try to chew out ot no success. Unless you have VERY determined rats, it should not be any problems. I normally cut a large hole in the top and pit 1/2 by 1/2 screen over the whole with a hot glue gun and some metal wire through drill holes.... Since they come in all sizes, you could easily find one you feel is appropriate.