Goosemoose Pet Portal

the lines are set at one foot intervals with my 500g bonbon as a refernce rat

(http://angelratdesigns.com/cages/images/rat-cages.gif)

CLICK HERE (http://angelratdesigns.com/cages/rat.html) to see a reference map of the ENTIRE LINE OF Martins Cages (http://www.martinscages.com)

REMEMBER: Martins will gladly make almost any of their cages with rat sized wire (1"x 1/2"), all you have to do is ask.

a closeup of the 685 and the 695 empty (http://photos.groups.aol.com/_img/bruxingrat/oMbiGC/685vss6959rdGFC.jpg) and full (http://photos.groups.aol.com/_img/bruxingrat/oMbiGC/685vs6956rdGFC.jpg)

*********

feel free to post reference pictures of your cage next to something that can be easily referenced like a tv (and say what size the tv is), a person, a rat on top, a computer, or something that lets people know how big the cage actually looks in person.

You know this might be something Goose might want to put in the Reference Desk section that would make it easier to find and might limit the amount of "What size Martin's to buy" repeats if you know what I mean?  I would think with as many members that there are here it wouldn't be to hard to get a photo of most of Martin's cages with "reference" photos, as it were. 

What do you think Goose?

Actually, that's more in the realm of the stuff I generally do here. ;)

And that's what this section of the site is for (no one ever looks in the Reference Desk, anyway).

I'll sticky this for now. :)

Great idea, angelratgirl. That chart is really helpful. I know there is one rat cage from Martin's (the particular name evades me right now) that *looks* huge, but in actuality is small for even a pair of rats. This will help newbies who might not know that. :)

Great idea!  We definately need to make clear the evilness of the H-600-HR.  It looks so big on the site, bit it's actually sooo small.  I made that mistake once already. :P

I have a 680, 695 and a 699 I'll take pics tomorrow of them all side by side!! Oh and I have a 670 (I think that's what it is) and another small Martins. Oh how I love their cages. I wish I could afford to put all my rats in a Martins Cages :-[

You all are so wonderful!! That chart is PERFECT, and I can't wait to see the 690 full.  ;D Thank you, thank you!!

Oh wow, that chart is terrific!  What a great idea!  The pics on their site are SO misleading - nothing to give you any sense of scale.

*POKE*  Where's the rest of the cages??  They need to be added to the first post!  :)

i sent my charts along to the martinscage company and these are the messages i got back.

when i sent the rat chart:

***********

Thank you very much for sharing your comments on including a chart to help recognize the sizes of our rat cages.  I LOVE the idea!  And I truly enjoyed your chart.  That must have taken some time to make!
 
Quite some time back ( years )  I had e-mailed our webpage designer about adding some type of cage calculator after so many of our customers had e-mailed me about the cage calculator.  Unfortunately, our webpage designer had told me we wouldn't be able to use something like that on our site. ( rights? or some reason, so long ago I don't remember ).  But a chart would work just as nicely. 
 
Will have to e-mail her and throw a chart by her.
 
Thanks so much!!!!

Diana Martin
Martin's Cages, Inc.

************

and when i sent along the complete chart for the entire line of martins cages

************

 am so impressed!  You are truly talented!!!
 
I'm going to forward this to Kym, our webpage designer, and see if she can use it. 
 
Really, really neat!!
 
Thank you VERY much! 
 
Diana Martin
*************

I spent time a few nights ago searching for the cage calculator. This is awesome! It is great to be able to see exactly how big these cages are. I don't think the site intends to be misleadin, but with no comparisons, it is hard to see how samll some of those cages are. Hmmm. I think I'll take one of these, that, and those. LOL Great job on the posts!

the 690 is great for 3 rats or four small/petite rats. if you plan on having a lot of toys in their cage,  then i would go with a max of three rats.

*covers ears*  :shocked2:

I'm watching a 690 on Ebay right now, desperately hoping to buy it for Darren- possibly so we can adopt a girlfriend.  :hyper: Cross your fingers for us!!  :worry:

there is only one problem about getting Martin's cages is that they are based in USA  :BlueDumboBigEyes:

I am in UK  :confused:

Marchioro is a good cage brand, and if I'm not mistaken, it's available in the UK.

Marchioro is available in the UK, but watch the wire spacing ;)

Teranziani (sp?) is also available overseas, and I've heard nothing but wonderful things about their cages :)

That chart is really helpful, ARG :)  I have four 685's, two 695's and three 699's (one is empty) and a slightly smaller than 685 Martins cage I designed to be easy for Lennon to navigate (don't know if that one would be useful at all LOL)...it may be a while before I get around to take pics, but would any of those be useful with rats in them?  I could also stack a 685 and a 695 next to a Ruud to show that comparison if you want.

I use the cage calculator at http://www.kristinewickstrom.homestead.com/files/PanelApplet.html to figure out which cages are best.  You just type in the dimensions in inches and it maps the cage and tells you how many rats will fit.  Great program!

Can I get some advice on what Martin's cage to buy?  I'm looking to spend about $50 (before shipping) and DEFINITELY want the black powder coated.

We currently have 2 girls in a 695, and are looking to adopt another couple ratties.  What we want is a smaller cage that we can put beside the first one, that would be good enough for rats to live in for a few weeks/months, while they're being introduced to the other rats.

The cage would also be used as a temporary cage for when the 695 has been lugged into the yard for cleaning.

So, it doesn't need to be large, just  big enough to be comfortable knowing that it's only temporary.

This (http://www.goosemoose.com/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=70&topic=38027.msg386358#msg386358) is my suggestion.

I'm looking for a nice cage, and I see the Martin's, but they don't look very wide... Are they wider than the image shows? I'm trying to get a clear picture.

I am new rat owner.  I went with the Rat Tower.  IT"S HUGE.  When you carry it you need someone to spot you so you don't trip HUGE.  Plenty of space. The rat LOVES IT.  She likes to race from the top to the bottom.  The bottom section fo the cage is primarily taken up with a ferret wheel and an igloo, and that whole middle floor is great for toys and hanging beds. It easily could accomidate 2 rats. I could have done with the Rat HighRise which I think is a bit smaller.  I have another new rat and my other rat doesn't get along with her, so Im looking for a new martins.  I'd go with something smaller then the tower, for my new one.

If you look at the cage dimensions, you'll see how large they are.

Does anyone know the URL to the rat cage calculator that measures the shelves too? I found it before, but I can't find it now. If you do, can you PM me and maybe post here for other people?

The cage calculator is in the Reference Desk.  :)

I dont know if this is any help, but i have the Martins 699 cages and here is a picture of two of them together, excuse the emptyness, i was in the middle of moving into a new home lol

(http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-6/1025684/Cahes.jpg)

On top, is a 100 gal Exoterra reptile cage, for something to compare to, or the spray bottle on the table lol

Does anyone have the Deluxe Barn for ferrets in rat sized wire? I am thinking about buying that one for a home away from home cage for my boys when I go to my mom's house... pics of it decorated or opinions would be helpful... :) Hopefully people still look at this thread..  :confused:

I asked about getting the F-477 done in rat-sized wire da month or so ago (it has a barn top) and Martin's said that they couldn't do the barn shape in the 1/2"x1". I don't exactly know why, but I imagine it has something to do with the distributor and the weird shape.

Here are some photos of the R-690 (Rat Tower)--

(http://www.chicagocanine.com/rats/cagemed.jpg)


And (mostly) empty:
(http://www.chicagocanine.com/rats/rattower.jpg)

How is cleaning with the Martin cages??  Cause I live an apartment and there is no hose in sight!

My R695 fits in our bath tub and we have a detaching shower head.
Just be sure that your bath tub is wider than 18 inches. :)
I fully clean my cage once a week to once every two weeks in the bathtub- but I wipe down the floors and objects in it daily.
Silly pee-monsters.  :BlueDumboSmileTongue:

I have the upper floors covered with some kind of white cardboardish stuff that is semi water resistant so I just cover that with towels and wipe them down when I clean, so no hose really is needed...

Thanks:) That is the one that I ordered.... :BlueDumboSmile:

It's on backorder now but my girls will be happy when it comes :rattysmiley:

I am a fairly new rat person, and I just have the "My First Home" that I got with the rats.  The rat calculator says it's fine for 2 rats, which is what I have, but I would SO love to give them more room.  Has anyone had any luck linking cages together?  That way, I wouldn't have to get such a large new one...I could just link them together.  Maybe.
Thanks!

http://www.ratbehavior.org/MartinsCages.htm

That's a great site of the square in. measurements of the more popular martin's cages.
There's also alot of other really useful info on it.

i am adding that site to my list of sites to visit for such an important decision.

What a great webpage!  I don't like that they suggest the 670 is 'sufficient' for two to three grown males though! I barely consider it ok for two females!  His final decision was a good one, very well thought out and explained.

What does it mean if its powder coated?

I stacked two super pet ferret cages ontop of each other. The bottom cage is a Xtra large multi level ferret home, size 40 x 18 x 29 and the cage ontop is a large ferret home, size 40 x 18 x 21 . My six guys love all the room.

Before:
(http://www.adsensetoday.com/rats/cagebefore.jpg)
After:
(http://www.adsensetoday.com/rats/cageafter.jpg)

 :)

Ratsandcats, how did you attach the two cages together? I too would like to try that!
Sandi

I found a 699 on craigslist and was wondering if they are good cages or if a smaller size is better?

The bigger the better is the golden rule  :)

699 = RUUD which in reality, is a 680 and a 695.  Two for one!  It can be broken down to the two cages.   ALWAYS get the biggest cage you can afford and have the space for.  Rats need MORE space, rather than less.

Martin's Cages is the BEST. ;D My first rat cage was the Rat Tower...which I love.
But i'm upgrading to the Ruud& my rat tower might go to an e-buddy of mine :)
(though I hate to part with it  :D )

hey everyone, I'm wondering about Martins cages. Right now i have a (about) 5 month old Louie, I've got a mom with babies in his normal cage while he's in a large guinea pig cage.  I'm going to be adding the 3 baby boys of Mama with Louie. SO a total of 4 rats. what are people suggestions on what cage to get?  I've been looking through them for a while now and most of the rat cages are too small for so many rats, and the Ruud cage (holds 9 rats)is rather big(though i wouldn't mind, just the money issue)  what about some of the chinchilla/ferret cages?  I like the chin skyscraper(r-695),holds 5 rats, and the highrise (FC-430HR),holds 7 rats. Though the Ferret condo is only 150 and will hold more then the ruud, 10 rats.  Some of their ferret cages have carpet in them, can it be removed to be cleaned? if so that might make things easier... I'm so indecisive...  Perhaps if people have pictures or something or just suggestions, it is So hard to tell in comparison to my louie how big these cages would be.  The boys that will be going in with Louie will have free range time with him once they start walking around!  but I want to make sure they're all happy and comfortable.... Mama and one of her girls will stay in the cage she's in now...so i'm in need of a new cage.  :eek:

I wouldn't be apposed to buying a used cage, and i've been looking on ebay, but really enjoy the look of the martins.

So i bought the r-695 =)

Good choice!  That's what I had for my 2 boys before I bought the FN.

This may have already been asked before, but is buying a Martins cage online the only way to get one? I've been to every petstore in my zip code and in 3 cities beyond and can't find one. The Pet Supplies Plus near me doens't have them and neither does the one about 10 miles away, PetCO doesn't carry them either.
I need to get a bigger cage for at most 5 baby males. They're about 8 weeks old and they can fit through everything. I've heard good things about Martins and the wire spacing they use.
And another random question: what's the biggest cage Martins has, and how many rats can it hold, theorhetically? I'd like to find a cage to hold all of my boys, but I don't think it's possible.

I believe online is the only place to get Martin's Cages. The biggest cage they have is the RUUD (at the bottom of this page: http://www.martinscages.com/products/cages/rat/ ) and the calculator says it can fit up to 9 rats.

Fantastic, that may be just what I need. Thank you very much.

my girls are small 1 year and 7 months old and love to climb. i want to get them a cage that won't be too hard on them when they become little old ladies. the cage i have now isn't that great( it's just big enough for 2 small rats.)
any recomendations?

Annies_rats, I would suggest a large birdcage. Most are high enough to promote climbing but aren't high enough to hurt a rat when/if they fall. I got a wonderful 35'' tall birdcage from PetCo that I decorated with some hammocks, some wood ledges (good idea to put a cloth covering over them - easier to clean) and an igloo, a whole bunch of fun stuff.
Here's a pic:

(http://a562.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/26/l_339c980a68cabc12f3b47b0d62d56d39.jpg)

i just ordered a rudd for my 7 girls i cant wait!!! to think there was once a time i thought people with even three rats were crazy!? thats what happens, never say never  :thumbsup2: ill be sure to post pictures when it gets here, from opening the box to full assembly WOOO HOOOOOO remy, emy, dolly, molly, miss big ears, cinderella and kitty are going to be soo happy

I'm thinking about getting a Martin's R690 for my future 2-3 female ratties. However, I have never owned rats before and thus have never bought a cage, especially online. Is this a good cage for 3 females? Is there anything specific I need to do in ordering it online? like getting it coated or making sure its 1/2" x 1/2"??
Thank you!
Nicole

Make sure you get powder coated (not galvanized), and get as big a cage as you can afford.  The people there are really nice, and you can just double check the bar spacing, and you might want to ask for bigger doors or a flip top if you can get it.  Better to have a bigger cage, though, if there's a choice.

I haven't got my rats yet (6 months from now I'll have them, I hope!), but I've been plotting out what to use. I *really* like the Martin's rat playpen. 4'x4'x30" (approximately). I'm going to adopt a group of big boys. If I special-ordered a metal shavings pan from bass equipment, would it be suitable as a cage? I can easily make wooden shelves, I can permanently affix the walls/ceiling with c-rings or j-clips.

I was thinking of having 1 flannel hammock per pair of rats, that octopus toy on ferret.com, some chinchilla daybeds (made of chin-safe wood and with fleece pillows)...all kinds of toys and cardboard boxes and socks and whatnot.

The playpens are great but I really think they would be irritating as a cage. You have to lift half the top up to access it; there are no front doors or anything. I cut a door into one of mine once when I wanted to created a cage extension for m 680, but it was so bulky and unwieldy to have up permanently that I gave up. I'd rather have more height in a cage than have it take up so much floor space.

Here's something to think about when purchasing a Martin's from the Martinscages.com website....

If you're stuck between a cage and its slightly larger counterpart, go to their shipping estimator and see what the difference in shipping cost is (add the item to your cart and enter your zip code).  Often there is little or no difference between near-sized models.  Example:  if you're sitting on the fence between the Rat Tower and the larger Rat Skyscraper, you'll find that the shipping cost is the same for both.  The only thing extra you'll pay is the difference in the actual cost of the cage.  So many times, if you're willing to part with an extra $15 or $20, you can upgrade to the next largest cage without having to pay out the nose for additional shipping.

Just something to think about.  My opinion is that you're going to have the cage for practically forever, so you might as well spend a little more and get one that you (and your rats) will really love.

I'm hoping to be a Rat owner very soon!  :rattysmiley:
But I'd like to get a cage all set up and ready first!
 :help:

Sure I'm sold on the Martin's cages now. They look good.

Was considering the R-690 Tower...

would that be a good choice for two baby rats?

The 690 is fine.  Did you read any of the posts in here about it already?  When your rats are older, the cage will need to be adjusted.  There's another stickied thread about modifying a 690 for older rats.

I have a couple of questionsfor everyone with Martins cages..
and I'm sorry if they're dumb,silly or stupid  :doh:
I originally wanted the 695, but have now decided I want the Rudd 699.
So these questions pertain to that.
First, how the heck do you use the pins that close the doors? they look terribly confusing to me  :yelcutelaugh:
Second, Are there two different types of closure pins? I see one regular and one with springs?
Is one better than the other? Or do you use both?
3rd how steep are the ramps? they look pretty steep to me in some photos, and in others they don't  ???

I sent them an email and asked the some questions also, I couldn't seem to find the info on.
Like, originally what are the door dimensions?
I want them bigger, not sure how big though, maybe 12'? For a wheel to fit, as some have suggested.
12" look huge to me though too  ::) But, I also want to clean it easily  :doh: I also don't want 3 doors, just 2 larger
doors, spaced evenly apart i nthe center. One tword, the top, one near the bottom.
And I also asked about a sliding bottom pan, rather than the lift out one. I don't think I really want to be lifting
this thing up once a week to get the bottom off.
Heck, I could have a flat floor too! The girls are all litter trained, so the base isn't even totally necessary.
Then I asked them how much all of that would cost, if it could be done..inclusing powder coating.
I think I'm gonna go broke. Good thing I'm getting a good tax refund  :thumbsup2:

Thanks for your time and help fellow rattie lovers
 :bow:

To close the doors is pretty easy, you just push the end in and it clips onto the cage.  One for the top of the door, one for the bottom.  It is very secure and supposedly rat-proof.  I say "supposedly" because there is a video floating around here somewhere, where someones rat figured out how to un-clasp it and was getting out of the cage.

The springs are what are used to keep the bottom pan attached to the base.  But, if you get the Ruud (699) the cage is heavy enough that you won't need them anyway.  I use the springs to hold the doors open as they get in the way sometimes, always trying to close on you while you are cleaning or playing with ratties through the cage doors.

To me, the ramps don't seem very steep, but it depends on what kind of cage you get.  Like the 690 has really steep ramps, whereas the 680 and 695 (combined make up the Ruud) have ramps that really aren't that steep.  If you think they are too steep, you can always lower the levels yourself to make the ramps less steep.

I really don't know about the doors as I don't have modified doors.  I would definitely recommend it though for ease of cleaning and getting a wheel in easily.  But I don't know how this compromises the sturdiness of the cage if you make the doors too big.  I am sure Martin's will let you know about that.

They have great customer service and make custom cages all the time.  Good choice in a cage and in the chosen modifications!  :thumbsup2:

Check into having the F-475 (a ferret cage) modified with rat-sized wire. They now do it in powdercoated as well as the original PVC-coated wire. I got this cage a few years back and it's fabulous, and seems to fit a lot of your specifications already. :)

Thanks for all your help  :thumbsup2:
I'm still waiting for Martins to email me back.

Thanks you, I didn't even look at the ferret cages  :doh:
I do like that cage, but it's not as big  :'(

What about combining the F-475 and R-680?

Ruud: 30x18x60 = 32,400 square inches
F-475: 30x24x48 = 34,560 square inches

The F-475 is deeper, giving it extra space.. :wink5: I personally love all the floor space the cage has, versus all the narrow ramps and ledges, but to each his own!

Well, techinically yes, but I want the height as well.
I do however, love how all the doors are centered on the F-475
Gaaaaah, too many decisions..How come the cage fairy can't just plop
some killer cage in my lap?  :-*

That sounds great! Which leads me to another question...How can we add them together if they're
different widths and depths?  Or will they customize that also?  :help:  ::) :yelcutelaugh:

I didn't realize the size of the F-475, sorry.  I have a F-435 I believe it is, and it's basically the same size as the R-695.

Nice! I'll check those out as well! Thanks so much!

Thanks for everyones advice.
I ended up getting a R-690 today and I love it!

I just set up my 690 this evening. I wish I had read about the misleading size of the "Hi Rise" as I bought that one first and had to exchange it. The person I spoke to at Martins was very helpful. I do have a question about set up.
My hands are throbbing from closing the "c clamps" with the pliers they provided. There must be an easier way to get the clamps properly closed. I am also a bit concerned about the clamps on the balcony and ramps, as they seem like they could injure a rats foot. Any advice?
I will be bringing home my first ever ratties in two weeks!  :BlueDumboSmile:

i just found a fantastic martins reference thingy (for lack of a better word) that i thought might help others like myself thinking about investing in a martins.

http://www.ratbehavior.org/MartinsCages.htm

hope that helps!

Actually, the Summary for the 670 is grossly exaggerated:


Personally, I think most people seem to agree that even 2 females is almost too many for that cage, especially once any hammocks, igloos, toys, and a food dish are involved.

yeah, when i went through and read the notes that had been made about each cage i noticed some things that seemed incongruous with the general consensus on the boards. also her prices are out of date, and i think martins has made the doors bigger on most models (?)
but i still think it's nifty to see the comparison between layouts, prices and price per square inch.

As of right now, I'm in the process of buying a cage for my future rats, and I recently stumbled across Martin's Cages. I plan on getting two male rats, assuming I can ever find a breeder, and am currently trying to decide between the The Rat Tower (R-690) and the The Rat Skyscraper (R-695). I'll be moving to a fairly small apartment prior to getting the cage, so that's a consideration: I'll also be moving to another state within the next five year, so the cage either needs to be sturdy enough to move built, or break-down-able. Another factor is my other pets: I plan on fostering for the local shelter, so I'll probably have cats/dogs, and I currently am a bunnymom.

With this in mind, what cage would you suggest?

My all time favorite is the 695.  :)

I agree that the 695 is great...when you put it together, use strong zip ties instead of the metal C-rings they give you...you can just clip them off and re-do them if they get filthy, or if you want to break down the cage to move.

Ok i've decided if the rats grow on my mom enough im going to get 2 boys. I am getting the R-695 for them, but was wanting to know if a rat wheel will fit through the doors, or if not do i just assemble it with it inside ;D  Also if you live in the west texas area and know of a nearby breeder pm me!  :wave2:

They seem to be putting bigger doors on now as a standard thing, so it might fit.  You can also put the wheel in the pan, and then just put the cage on top of the wheel.  The best option is to get the 695 with the flip top, then you can just open the top to clean and put the wheel in and such.

I've decided that i will most likly get the R-695 w/ flip top for cleaning, UNLESS! I go to FN. Sorry guys but they look remarkable, though i will have to spend more, and add more wire to the outside...so though i really like FN i will most likly go with the R-695. It just seems to fit what my needs are. I am planning to get a cheapo Tv stand with casters to put it on so...I'll make an announcement with pics if i ever get them.... Wich will still be at least a month :'(

Just a note for anyone reading this considering a Martin's...the 690 has been renovated.  I just bought one on the 3rd of July, and the ramps are not NEAR as steep as they used to be.  The doors are also much larger.  Here's the new version...

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/birchmoon/0pets002.jpg)

Top
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/birchmoon/0pets014.jpg)

Bottom
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v24/birchmoon/0pets015.jpg)

Unfortunatly i still have no answer on the rats... I tend to agree with my mother though, right now i'm the FFA President at our school and the Drum Major at the band....wich sucks because they both have so many conflicts and require so much time that i would not be able to properly care for to ratties so... until my schedule calms down a bit not ratties for me... but for all who are thinking of the martins i have done alot of research and i personally like the Martins better  ;D

OMG!!!! Thank you so much!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^ to the person who showed the pic of the newly remodeled R-690!!!!
I was contemplating between that and the R-695...I really want the R-690 now...It will be a lot easier to clean and get up the stairs from the basement and into the bathtub to clean!!!  :heart: And the big doors :heart: Love 'em. I'll be moving three girlies into this cage...

I want to get the 695 for my three boys. What exactly is the difference between the galvanized and the powder-coated versions? Which version is the best choice? Thanks!

Galvanized wire soaks up the urine smell and will also [i think] rust eventually. Get powder coated for sure.

Okey dokey. The powder-coated it is!

Hi,

I'm thinking of getting the R-695. Can someone just confirm for me that the bar spacing I should confirm they have is 1/2" by 1/2" ? Also, should I ask for a flip top and big doors or does this model already come with this?

I apologize if this is redundant. I'm just nervous b/c this is the first cage I'm buying and I want it to be just right.

Also, I'm new to owning ratties. Should I get two or three? I'm worried that with three I won't be able to give them each as much attention, but I also know that they like to be in groups, and that if I decide to get a third later on it will be harder to introduce them.

Thanks :)
Tamara

Err. Sorry, read below e__e

I wanted to edit my previous post but was dumb enough to post a reply instead. What I had written wouldn't have been a problem had I thought about my location, sorry!

Okay, I'm a rat newbie, though I have a virtual zoo with parrots, guinea pigs, chinchillas, leopard geckos, bearded dragons, hamsters, etc etc - and a dog.

I acquired two six-month old girl ratties (from someone wanting to "get rid of" them) and fell in love.  I bought them the new Superpet Rat Habitat, which I love but wish were BIGGER. 

This week I got three 7-week old sisters from the rat rescue, which are currently in a separate cage from the first two.  The rescue is currently overloaded and I agreed to take 4 more sisters from another "litter" as soon as they are weaned.  So I will have - eventually - 9 girls in all. 

I am planning on ordering the Martin's Ruud 699 powder-coated.  It seems large enough for everyone.  I will have plenty of hammocks, cubes etc and toys. 

My questions are these  -- does this cage seem like a feasible idea all around?  Is it better to cover the cage floors with linoleum, fleece pads, stick on carpets or leave alone as is?  What about the balconies?  Has anyone had problems with the wire shelves and toes getting caught if they are left uncovered?  Anything negative?????

What kind of wheels are best?  I currently have two solid 12" plastic wheels (left over from angel hedgehogs)(I gave up on the Silent spinners as they broke too easily).  My chins have the "flying saucer" from Quality cages which they absolutely adore.  It's metal, quiet, and easy to clean.

I use Aspen shavings at the bottoms of my guinea pig and chin cages because quite frankly they love digging around in it.  The ratties currently have the Aspen and seem to like it too.  It NEVER smells, which is another plus.  But if I try to set up a litter box for the ratties, what should I use in it?  I have used Carefresh with baby parrots and frankly think it causes more odors than other things.  Suggestions?????

Thanks for any input.  Would like to get moving on this in the next day or two, so would greatly appreciate your INPUT !  Thanks!!!!!!! - Melody