Need to "make" a rat cage for work... PLEASE HELP!!!!

[kyssyfur]

Ok, here is the deal.  At the nature center where I work, we have two rats.  They are in a smallish aquarium....apprx 2.5 x 1 x 1.5 and I want to get them into a bigger cage.  My boss is a jerk and gave me two options.    Either deal with it or try to make them a new one for about $20 out of the stuff we have at the nature center.  Well, I have two things I can make a new cage out of.  One is an old glass green house that measures 4x2x1.5 or a really old (and I mean really old) bird cage that measures 1.5x1.5x2 (all these measurements are in feet) 
Now here is where it gets tricky.   
 The glass green house looks like this    and is all glass.  If i use this one, i plan to replace the top slanted panels with wire netting so they can get air but keeping the bottom glass so kids can't stick their fingers in.  Now the problem with this one is that there isn't a bottom.  It is just a glass frame.  What could i use for a bottom that wouldn't leak, wouldn't cost a lot, and be easy to clean? 

Then there is the bird cage.  It is rusted, really rusted, has a few bars missing, also doesn't have a bottom (it rusted away).  So after i scrub the rust off and repaint it, what could i use to cover it so the rats can't get out but the public has a crisp, clear view of the rats?  And lets not forget the bottom. 
SO what should i do???    Any Ideas?  I need so much help it isn't funny!   

[JulesMichy]

From personal experience, you can't paint over galvanized metal. I tried that with a rusted rat cage once, even using Rustolium spray paint which boasts that it sticks to anything, never ever comes off, etc. It came off with a scratch from my fingernail after weeks of drying.

So the bird cage is out.

The renovated green house is going to take a lot of work, and you're still looking at putting them into a glass environment, which traps ammonia, has no air flow and doesn't give them an opportunity to climb. Is your boss offering you $20 to buy materials? Take the $20, and go to Petsmart. They've got a couple cages around $30-$40 that are roughly the same size as the bird cage you listed. Surely you could spare $10 or $20 for these guys?

[Dearpie]

Too bad you didn't think to look around garage sales in your area over the weekend.  Sometimes thrift stores will get in some decent cages.  One of our local pet stores will have used cages for a nice discounted price.  Ebay is an option, or just plain posting that you're in need of a cage over on Swap Meet.  Be sure to include your location and perhaps one of the forum members can help you out with a cage they're no longer using. 

[kyssyfur]

Believe me, I spend plenty on them.  *smile* Not that I mind, I just believe that they deserve treats like fresh fruits and veggies, etc.  The problem is that those cages have bars that are the right size for little fingers to stick through.  Little fingers covered in yummie goodness that the rats won't be able to resist.  So that is why we have to go with glass.  Unless you have a better idea??  

[kyssyfur]

Hmmmmm I never thought of asking on the fourm here.  I am not allowed to post an ad or flyer or anything like that here in town because he (my boss) doesn't want to look like we are begging or that we need donations.  And I have been checking out garage sales but most of the time it is out of my price range.

[JulesMichy]

Put up a sign that says: "Please do not put your fingers through the bars. We think they taste good!" 

Do they really bite through bars?

Your boss sounds like a real jerk. He isn't willing to do anything to help the rats, but he doesn't want charity, either? He needs a good, swift kick somewhere unpleasant.

[kyssyfur]

I don't think they would "bite" more like sample with their teeth.     We have a lot of programs for 3 year olds and the last I knew they couldn't read all that well.  That and I am more concerned about the rats getting poked with sticks, getting fed stuff that will make them sick, and people just being plain mean to them.  I try to think positive but I know bored teens waaaaaay to well. 

[Dearpie]

What about getting a 30 gallon aquarium instead?  It would give a lot more space ...

[JulesMichy]

That and I am more concerned about the rats getting poked with sticks, getting fed stuff that will make them sick, and people just being plain mean to them.  I try to think positive but I know bored teens waaaaaay to well. 

That's true, I can't believe that slipped my mind. It's half the reason I think the girls at my local shelter are cage aggressive, being poked through the bars by strangers all day.

[tenili]

In the spirit of making the rats a usable home on a very tight budget how about this...

Could you use a shallow plastic rubbermaid type container that is just a bit bigger than the greenhouse for a bottom?  I'm thinking the size they sell to slide under your bed might work.  You can certainly find somthing that fits into the budget at walmart and they often have clear ones it's just a matter of finding the right size.  Then try the dollar store or use some found objects that could make fun shelves/ramps for them. 

If you can't find plastic that's the right size maybe you could find some scrap wood to build a box and then line it with remnants of linoleum or tile?  Something that would clean well and keep the wood from getting wet. 

Good luck!
Tenili

[JulesMichy]

Could you use a shallow plastic rubbermaid type container that is just a bit bigger than the greenhouse for a bottom?

Or the lid would work.

[osutigeress]

I made a really sturdy/easy to clean hospital cage out of a large tupperware, some hardware cloth, zip ties, and a little drilling/cutting. I can give you the specifics, if you want.

[kyssyfur]

Sorry that I haven't replied in a while.  My boss has been "extra special" this week!     I would love those plans you are talking about.  I don't know if my boss would go for it but it is worth a try.     We had an idea of gluing two broken aquariums together but then we found out that the Wheel was too tall.  Starting next week, my boss is going to be gone for two weeks....  maybe i can "sneak" something in then.  As my mom always said " It is always easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission."   

[The Mad Ratter]

What about using a tub for underneath as others have already recommended and then a wire topper for up top. It would give them space to get out of the aquarium, but would still stop kids as the lower area where they can reach is glass, and the wire is up higher?

[*Kat*]

Are these domestic or wild rats?  If domestic, how did they come to be at the nature center?  My horrible idea?  while he's out take them home "to keep an eye on them" and tell your boss they died when he gets back.

[daratter]

I have had some luck painting over galzanized metal. I used a metal primer that is made specifically for bonding to metals (can't remember name right now) and then use an appliance spray over that once its dried. I redid my matrin's cage that I had gotten 5 years ago and it was just galzanized with out any kind of coating when I got it- so far, it has held up well and has not chipped. Its been 6 months so far.

I have also used KILTZ spray on paint on previously powder coated cages that have chipped and rusted and it seems to be working well so far.
Amy

[moonsingingfreak]

I love your idea, *Kat*!

[jorats]

Aren't paints toxic? I went looking at our Home Depot and other paint places and there are no non toxic paint. I have a galvanized cage sitting in the shed and I would love to paint it but I don't trust a paint that is not non toxic since rats like to chew.

[kyssyfur]

*lol*  I know how you feel.  I totally want to take all the animals home with me and out of that place!  We had a couple of turtles with eye infections and he refused to take them in for treatment.  I had to take them in on my own and pay for everything myself!!!  But enough about my horrible boss......

I went shopping and couldn't find a tupperware or lid big enough to fit.  I went to the usual places (Walmart, Lowes, Etc).  Any other ideas?  (side note, i gave the girls a doughnut hole today (their first and only) and you should have seen them running with it ehheheehhe)

[*Kat*]

Garage sales might be your best bet.