Rubbermaid cages

[aloseman]

Hello everyone!
Ok, so I'll be getting either two or three rats this week from my friend who had a litter (well, his girl did), and have been lurking for about a month now. I have a question about the cages.
I know that cages are, from what I read, optimal, and better looking, followed by aquariums. What I was wondering was would a nice big rubbermaid container be a good choice?
I'd want it to nice flat sides and bottoms and some mods to give it some ventalation in the top, and It would be larger, a lot less expensive, and easier to get, plus sadly, probably better loking than the 20 or 15 gal I'm planning on getting used for 5 dollors. I was at wal-wart christmas shopping yesterday and I saw one. I guess I'd be afraid of my soon to be rats chewing through and deciding that their new cage would be my mother's house.

Also, any advice on rat-proofing a room just in case the worst happens and they excape out into my bedroom which has a computer nice and low to the ground? I wouldn't be as worried while they are under supervison, but I'd still feel uncomfortable knowing that would be unsafe and could do damage to my computer.

Thanks for any info,
Adam

[rapforjane]

The problem with a rubbermaid cage is that there will be poor ventilation. A rat can chew through concrete and plastic isn't going to put up much of a fight to a rat who chews.  Why would you rather a rubbermaid instead of an actual cage or tank?

[andrea1970]

What she said.  I also think the rubbermaid plastic might turn out to be kind of "soft" and tend to absorb the odors more.

I am fairly happy with my marchioro cage so far and it wasn't horribly expensive on sale.

[aloseman]

The problem with a rubbermaid cage is that there will be poor ventilation. A rat can chew through concrete and plastic isn't going to put up much of a fight to a rat who chews.  Why would you rather a rubbermaid instead of an actual cage or tank?

It was more of just a thought. My friend has had the babies for 4 1/2 to 5 weeks, and the person that the big awuariums were coming from hadn't emailed yet, so it would only be a temporary souloution. As it is, we (meaning I) bought him an aquarium to put one sex in. I DO want to get a cage eventually though, but with my current job, my budget is limited.

[VegetarianPetLuvR]

If your budget is limited, you shouldn't be looking into getting more rats.

And no, a rubbermaid container is not a proper home for rats. First off, the ventilation is terrible and they may chew through it. Also, rats LOVE to climb, and giving young rats a one story cage is just...No. If you can't afford a nice roomy cage, you can't afford rats. Think of food, vet bills, litter, other ongoing costs.

Particularily if you use a rubbermaid, health will be poor. I suggest you look at the "homemade cages" thread, and at least figure out something better than a rubbermaid.

Good luck!

[aloseman]

If your budget is limited, you shouldn't be looking into getting more rats.

And no, a rubbermaid container is not a proper home for rats. First off, the ventilation is terrible and they may chew through it. Also, rats LOVE to climb, and giving young rats a one story cage is just...No. If you can't afford a nice roomy cage, you can't afford rats. Think of food, vet bills, litter, other ongoing costs.

Particularily if you use a rubbermaid, health will be poor. I suggest you look at the "homemade cages" thread, and at least figure out something better than a rubbermaid.

Good luck!

Actually, trying to figure out the best homemade cage was how this thought started for me. one of the 'plans' I looked at suggested using a ribbermaid container as a bottom. Would they be able to chew through it? If all goes to plan, I'd be making a cage with a height of 2 feet, a width of 3, and a depth of 18 inches. Actually had the plans in my pocket.  how's that sound?
Wither way, looking for a base and knowing that my friend was in need of a second house made me wonder if a rubbermaid contaniner would do as a temp home untill we got something better.

[Hedgehaven]

If you need a cage, the fastest cage I know of starts with a plastic cement mixing tub from Home Depot. Here's a pic http://www.plasgaddiy.co.uk/html/large_tub.htm Yes, it's a UK picture but I buy them in the US at Home Depot or Lowe's. They cost about 8.00USD

Then buy the Avian quality powder coated wire with 1/2"x1" holes and make your own cage. Use kiln dried pine boards sanded smooth and hang them with cup hooks to make shelves.

The only real construction "work" is cutting the wire, cutting the wood and to hold the top to the bottom, buy mini bungee cords.

[Dearpie]

If you buy the powder coated wire, be sure to get 1/2" x 1/2" for any shelves/balconies or floors.  1" x 1/2" is too big for rat feet and they can get stuck in it.  I've had it happen twice.  I've since covered any cage walking space I've come across with smaller hardware cloth.

[flyingduster]

a rubbermaid would be ok as a temporary or travel cage, but yes they WILL chew it, and no it isnt suitable permenantly.

As for size, it is big, but note that height really doesn't make any difference in such a cage as there are no levels to *use* the height! Rats really need levels and things to climb about on, a rubbermaid cage would make that difficult. Yes you can make holes to hang things, but the thing is that if YOU make a hole, THEY will enlarge it!

To be honest, though it is a good idea as a temp/travel cage or as part of a larger cage, it really wouldnt' make a good permemant cage. You could get one by all means, but you would have to get something else better soon, and being short on funds I'm not sure if You can afford to get two cages, and if you can you'd be better off just getting a good one at the start!!

Really, maybe save up for a while, look on ebay or something and find a cheap, but good cage. Get your freind to hold onto the babeis for a while longer, or pass them up for now until you can afford them more. It'll be alot better in the long run!!

Good luck!

FD

[Hedgehaven]

If you buy the powder coated wire, be sure to get 1/2" x 1/2" for any shelves/balconies or floors.  1" x 1/2" is too big for rat feet and they can get stuck in it.  I've had it happen twice.  I've since covered any cage walking space I've come across with smaller hardware cloth.

That's why I suggest the sanded wood shelves. That way you can buy only one type wire and have nice safe solid surface shelves for wee rattie tootsies.

And I forgot to mention that cable ties make for quick cage assembly, just keep an eye on the "chewers".

[LifeInCircuit]

Please do not use pine of any kind in your cages. Even kiln dried pine is not proven to be safe.

[rapforjane]

Please do not use pine of any kind in your cages. Even kiln dried pine is not proven to be safe.

Or cedar.

[Hedgehaven]

Then use poplar if you have concerns.

Boards have less exposed edges than litter and in a well ventilated cage they pose no hazard to any animal.

Off gassing is a finite process. If the board does any offgassing after curing, it will eventually "run out" unlike litter, which is contantly replaced and contains uncountable exposed surfaces. As a litter, it's unacceptable. As construction material, IMO it's more safe than most.

[*Kat*]

I've used them for temperary cages before.  You can cut out part of the top and put in a screen to let more ventilation.  If you get a taller one I've gotten shelves from walmart before, 50 cents or a buck a piece, think they were made to use for extra storage in the shower, I use them in my freezer too.  Cover them with fabric and use them for shelves for rats.  Again, temperary cage.  But yes, it can work.

[flyingduster]

if making wooden shelves (whatever the wood) remember they NEED to be sealed with something, or they will soak up pee in no time, swell, and stink to high heaven!

I have plywood shelves in one cage, and hardboard ones in another. They are sealed with self adhesive floor tiles that are stuck on.

FD