Critter Nation Vs. Ferret Nation?

[KamieKirk]

This is a question for those that have had both, as I want an accurate comparison of the two.
Thanks! 
I'm torn between the two for my rats.  The CN seems like the obvious choice, as it has horizontal bars and smaller spacing, but I've heard many things of how unstable it is compared to the FN. Also, I've heard it's easier for urine (aka smells) to get trapped in the CN, because it isn't as tightly put together as a FN, which requires tools.

For those of you with FN:
Are the rats able to climb the bars, despite them being vertical?
Is the bar spacing an issue?
At what age is it safe for a rat to be in a FN?

I have two (soon the be three) boys which are old enough to be in a FN, but later on, we plan on getting a couple of young rats when the boys are older.

Thank you to everyone!  I appreciate it! 

[Gaya]

I have had both and I would choose the Critter Nation, hands down.  I haven't really noticed a difference in stability or had problems with pee seeping into crevices.  It's so convenient to be able to put babies in the CN without worrying about them squeezing out.  I have seen rats climb the bars in the FN, but usually when they get older they stop because it becomes too much work.  Plus, the rats I've seen climb bars in the FN do not seem to have as much fun because they're straining to get to the next rung. 

Good luck choosing!  They are both great cages and I have had fun owning both.  I just think the CN is better for rats. 

[KamieKirk]

Thank you for your reply!
I was planning on going with a CN, but wanted to be sure, as it is a big purchase.

[Stacy M]

The new FN's have the same no tool construction as the CN's now so it's a moot point unless you buy used .

I don't regret my CN at all.

[KamieKirk]

I heard people talking about how FN needed tools to assemble, yet CN didn't.  Glad to see it's not the case.

[Stacy M]

Yeah they used to.  I honestly with the CN's were tool assembly (it's just screws) but it's still an amazing cage.

[Winter_Whisper]

I'm sorry but I don't have both. I only have a Critter Nation BUT I do have a cage with the same 1 inch bar spacing as the Ferret Nation and one of my girls is naturally slim so she can squeeze out of those bars easily. That might be something you'd want to consider. This rat is also 17 months old. I hope that helped

[KamieKirk]

I'm sorry but I don't have both. I only have a Critter Nation BUT I do have a cage with the same 1 inch bar spacing as the Ferret Nation and one of my girls is naturally slim so she can squeeze out of those bars easily. That might be something you'd want to consider. This rat is also 17 months old. I hope that helped

Very good to know! I have boys, but we'll be getting babes down the road, and they'll definitely squeeze through bars.