Wednesday, February 10, 2010

How can i expand my rats' cage?

I have a cage just big enough for two rats. They seem kinda bored, so how could i expand this a bit? Any ideas on how to attach an aquarium to this?





http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3140459





PS- dont worry i put in a huge hammock as an extra level just in case you think this is too smallHow can i expand my rats' cage?
There's a couple of ways you could attach an aquarium to this unit. If you could find an aquarium where the base of the tank fit snugly inside the rim of the aquarium, you could make a cover of fine chicken wire to go over the un-attached area. The lip around the edge of the plastic cage base will sit on the glass rim of the aquarium, making sure that there are no spaces on that side for your rat to escape. Then use wooden struts to make a lid, one piece should go across the top of the tank, butted up against the side of the plastic base. Wrap the chicken wire around that bar then lay it flat across the still uncovered area of the tank, wrapped wooden strut facing upwards. Cut the chicken wire hanging over the edge of the tank, leaving enough length to wrap a couple of times around the wooden struts. With the first, wrapped strut held in place, pull the wire taut across the top of the tank then place another wooden strut, parallel to the first, on the underside of the wire. Roll the strut in towards the tank until the chicken wire is held taut between the two struts and the second strut lies flat against the edge of the tank. (the top of the strut will be flush with the top of the tank. This may take a few tries but after one or two, you should be able to judge where to start rolling it up easily enough.) Hammer a couple of nails, or those bent, U shape nail thingies, in place to hold the chicken wire where it is. Clip the wire diagonally into the corners of the tank, roll it back then cut the strut to the length of the tank side. Place the two side struts under the wire and roll them under until they pull the wire taut and are touching the other two struts. Nail them underneath the ';over-the-top'; strut and attach them to the ends of the other strut. Fold the left over chicken wire around itself a bit to secure the edges and make sure there's no sharp points that can hurt the ratty.


Then, the last thing you need to do it cut a hole in the side of the plastic tray that is big enough for your Ratty to fit through (not at the bottom or all the bedding will fall out) smooth the sides of the hole with sand paper and make sure there's a ladder or something similar for your pet to climb up to.





If you can't find an aquarium that your cage fit's snugly into/on top of, it's not so easy.


(I know my last explaination was long and a bit garbled but I hope it was easy enough to follow)


So, if you don't have the size you need, you will need to make an alternative arrangement. Try finding a piece of thick, heavy duty plastic which is bigger than the base of the cage and big enough to cover the tank with an inch extra on all 4 sides. It's best to place the cage in a corner area above the tank. If it is small enough to sit at 90 degrees to the tank below then do that (When I had a similar setup, my cage covered half of the base tank.)


Carefully drill holes through the plastic and into wooden slats. Screw the slats onto the plastic, make sure this ';lid'; fits securely onto the tank with as little movement as possible. Place the cage where you want it and carefully drill a line of small holes (the width of piece of strong wire) along the longest edge, closest to the middle, then using strong, flexible wire, thread it through the holes and around the bars of the cage (as if you are sewing it to the plastic) This can then be used like a hinge so that the inside of the cage part can be easily reached for cleaning. Drill a couple of small holes at each corner, thread some of the strong wire through then twist together and form into a hook, one hook at each corner. Use the hooks to secure the cage to the plastic base/lid. If there is a third or more of the lid uncovered, cut across the lid a couple of inches from the edge of the cage. Cut right through the wooden pieces as well, so that the whole part of the lid lifts straight off. You can either drill a mesh of 1-2mm holes all over the uncaged plastic or you can cut out 4 panels leaving the panel looking a bit like a window frame, then cover those areas with fine chicken mesh and wire it firmly in place. Finally, place the lid back in place then attach a small bolt on either side to hold the wooden slats where you cut them.





So, that's how you can make it work. I know you can do it this way because I did and it worked.





Good LuckHow can i expand my rats' cage?
The first answer is right... You need to just get a bigger cage. That tiny cheap thing won't last long anyway since most of it is made out of plastic! Rats do love to chew.


Here's some better ideas-


http://martinscages.com/products/cages/r鈥?/a> (the bigger cages are more towards the bottom)


http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js鈥?/a>


http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js鈥?/a> (single unit would be good enough for a couple rats)


http://www.petco.com/product/106171/PETC鈥?/a>





Bird cages also make excellent cages for rats! Just as long as it's bigger than the cage you already have. And cover the wire flooring with wood, carpet, or cardboard (do this for any cage) to prevent injury and a disease known as bumblefoot for your rats.





Good luck :)
lawl just get rid of the whole cage


i'm sorry to tell you but you've wasted a hundred dollars!! yay!


you can either


A) buy a new cage thats bigger and better


or


B) just give them a play pen to roam around.





hmm maybe the cage could be useful in some areas. you can keep the rats in the cage while you sleep, but during the day you should allow your rats to run around the floor with a play pen around them





some inexpensive ideas for play pens:


those really big books for children, made out of cardboard. buy a few of those and stack them upright around in a circle or any shape you'd like.





buy a play pen from a store, they're about 20 bucks i think





make your own out of some wood and wire. i'm guessing it would cost around 20-50 dollars, who knows i'm not a carpenter.





or find an empty room to let them run in. just close the door and make sure there's nothing dangerous to chew in there.





ALWAYS SUPERVISE WHEN ALLOWING RATS TO ROAM FREELY





who knows what troubles they could get themselves into
Okay, that whole cage looks way to small for two grown rats. Forget about adding to it, just buy a new cage. Better yet, buy an old bird aivery and modify it so your rats can utilize all the space. Build wooden ramps and wooden huts, attach thick woven ropes from the roof for them to climb. Rats just love places to roam and explore, use your imagination to build them one kick-*** rat cage!

No comments:

Post a Comment