I am so confused, please help?

[gesticulator]

I have a Martin's 690, and I am not really happy with it. I just got my two little ratty boys, which it houses fine, but I know I will be adopting one or two more rats in the near future. What I don't like about it is that it only has one full floor and two many ramps. Personally, I think it is rather unsturdy, but I trust the opinions of all of you more experienced rat owners, that it is a well made cage.
I have it lined in coroplast, right now, as the boys haven't tried to chew it and it is easy to wipe down. I think I want something bigger with plastic shelves. I keep pieces of fleece for them to snugggle up in, but lining the floors completely with fleece just left most of it wet with urine. I am all for ease of cleaning.
I want to think I have a cage that will last and be roomy enough for 4 males. I can kick myself in the head becuase the Martin's cage is brand new. I guess I could donate it to a rescue, and know I did the right thing. I was looking at the SuperPet Ferret cages, but I don't know if the bar spacing is narrow enough for rats. The Coast Cage Mansion is very reasonable priced. If I removed the wheel, is it still a good cage?
Thanks in advance, I am totally obsessing on this.

[Topaz]

If I were you, I would look into the Super Pet My First Home for Exotics.  It has small wire spacing and will give you plenty of room for more boys.  It also has those plastic shelves you mentioned.

I wouldn't put more than 2 rats in any Cost Cage, I think the shelves are way too small and I personally find it hard to clean (and I use it short term.)  I could only imagine using it for longer than a couple weeks.

[Lise]

The Coast cage you are referring to is the same size or smaller than your 690.  So definitely out.  

The Super Pet Ferret cages have 1" bar spacing, so unfortunately you can't house young rats in them without surrounding them in mesh.  Most full grown males will fit in them... but do you really want to take the chance when you may end up with a runty male?  Probably not because then that would be a second cage you're not happy with.

There is the new Super Pet My First Home for Exotics which is a Super Pet cage with 1/2" bar spacing appropriate for rats.  You could also look into the Feisty Ferret cage.  It is a larger ferret cage with bar spacing that as far as I know no one has had a problem with yet.

As for your martins -- everyone likes different cages.  We don't all love the same thing.  Some people love Super Pets (you may be one of them); while I can't stand those kind of shelves.  

[gesticulator]

I know I don't need something new right away, as my boys are only 5 weeks old. I imagine, even if I did get two more babies, they would all be okay in the Martin's for the time being. Since I am also new to rats, I have to give myself a chance to learn and form opinions.

[thefishcube]

Where can one see this super pet exotic cage?  How big is it?  I'm also looking for a decent cage.  Not sure I want a Martins.  Are there other options with smaller bar spacing?

[Topaz]

Do a search here on the forum for the Exotics cage. Lots of folks have posted theirs all set up and decorated.

[djskolnick]

I had the R-690 with 3 boys. While they were babies, it was fine. When they grew up, it got a little tight. I definitely would NOT put 4 boys in it. I can't give you any feedback on the other cages you mentioned, but I can tell you I traded up for a Martin's R-695 and LOVE it. It would house 4-5 perfectly.

By the way, I sold my 690 on ebay to recoup some $$.