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Usually every couple of weeks on cage cleaning day, I take the whole thing outside and hose it down and give it a good scrub. Well it's ticking into the colder months now, and I was wondering what you guys did for a full cleaning on a cage when it's 10 degrees outside.
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Sep 24, 2013 16:27
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KariOhki posted:Usually every couple of weeks on cage cleaning day, I take the whole thing outside and hose it down and give it a good scrub. Well it's ticking into the colder months now, and I was wondering what you guys did for a full cleaning on a cage when it's 10 degrees outside. Pressure washer + half-assed job as fast as I could because ye gods it's cold out HURRY UP ALREADY.
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Sep 24, 2013 18:21
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KariOhki posted:Usually every couple of weeks on cage cleaning day, I take the whole thing outside and hose it down and give it a good scrub. Well it's ticking into the colder months now, and I was wondering what you guys did for a full cleaning on a cage when it's 10 degrees outside. I take the cage apart, put it in the bathtub, and turn the shower on. That gets the big turds and anything that has been glued to it with pee. Then I use a DeWalt steam cleaner to sanitize the thing, if I get the urge. It's actually pretty dangerous, as the steam cleaner gets hot enough to make skin come off.
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Sep 24, 2013 22:22
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Best thing in the world: The rats are piled in a hammock and the one at the bottom of the pile is bruxing her little head off 
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Sep 25, 2013 16:12
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tl;dr, pet rat spazzed out a bit and then went to lethargy/chill-mode. First-time PI post, and two male, fancy rats are my first pets ever (~2 months old). I've read "pop-corning" and seizure/stroke behavior up and down, but this doesn't seem right. During our normal couch playtime with the 2 rats, our more energetic, wheel-running rat had a spaz moment, the likes I've never seen. Next to my wife, it got on it's hind legs and started jumping around for a few seconds. It hopped right up on her lap and continued jumping on her lap while supporting himself on her shirt. 10 total seconds passed and he stops pop-corning-like behavior into shuttering/shivering (It's warm where we live) and his coat furled a little with slight arched back. He stopped and lied down on her lap and closed his eyes. Afterward, he was lethargic/slow and walked around a bit. 5 - 10 minutes later, it happened again without the jumping. Only the shaking/shivering this time plus he was twitching and kicking oddly. I was nearby and saw his mouth opening and closing, jaw shivering methodically. Then I noticed he was making stool. The stool wasn't very large, altogether abnormal or indicative of constipation. After a while, he picked a corner and curled up for the next 30 minutes, slightly uncommon for an on-schedule playtime. He's been very lethargic during the next playtime. Back in the cage, he was up at night starting squabbles with his more relaxed brother, non-stop, 2 hours. It's usual for him to use the wheel instead. Today, we fed him apple bits which he usually takes and eats in another place in the cage, but this time he only wanted to eat it if it's only directly from our hand. Does this sound like anything to be concerned about? EDIT: Came home from work and he's got a little Porphyrin crust around the eyes. The brothers are napping together. OhYo fucked around with this message at 04:14 on Sep 26, 2013 |
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Sep 25, 2013 23:16
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Ugh that must have been so scary OhYo, I'm sorry. To be honest it does sound like a seizure to me. Do you have a vet who knows about rats (Not all of them do, and its very important to find one who knows rats and their very specific ailments)? There are a couple of medications a vet might prescribe to treat seizures, of course the long term prognosis depends on the cause, which isn't always obvious with little rats. Diagnostic tests can be a bit expensive, here at least, not sure about in the U.S. But its definitely worth seeing a vet. I hope your little guy is ok! I know you might have read it but here's some info: http://ratguide.com/health/neurological/seizures.php
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Sep 26, 2013 05:18
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Big Bug Hug posted:I hope your little guy is ok!
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Sep 26, 2013 20:00
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KariOhki posted:Usually every couple of weeks on cage cleaning day, I take the whole thing outside and hose it down and give it a good scrub. Well it's ticking into the colder months now, and I was wondering what you guys did for a full cleaning on a cage when it's 10 degrees outside. See, this is why I'm a huge fan of fleece bedding and litter training. My girls all know to poop in the box, and while they do piddle on the fleece, it's MUCH easier to clean the cage when you can take out the blankets, shake it off into the trash or out the door for bits of food/detritus, toss the fleece in the wash and pop the cage into the shower. You still need to give the cage a good soaping and wipe down, but it's very satisfying to not have to scrub poo off anything. And with no paper/chip bedding of any more, there's nothing to get wet and nasty and caked to the bottom of the cage pan. Plus, fleece blankets are cheap and they last a long time - big bottom pieces get chewed? Turn them into shelf pieces. Chewed more? Turn them into hammocks. Chewed to bits? Who cares, it was cheap. It's been ages since I read this thread so if everyone here already uses fleece, then good job, and I feel like a moron.  Just got 2 new rescue girls a couple weeks ago, and remembered this thread was here. Will try to get pictures tonight. Need help with finding names. 
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Sep 27, 2013 20:23
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My rats always chew up fleece instantly, making it unusable; and fleece stinks, way more than any other bedding I've used (except carefresh, which is vile).
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Sep 28, 2013 00:33
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Sep 28, 2013 00:55
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I think paper bedding smells vile (carefresh), I won't use wood chips/shavings, and pressed paper pellets I use in the litter box make too much of a mess (plus gross cleanup scrubbing it off the pan). I find any bedding starts to become... fragrant.. after about a week, so I go with fleece as no stinkier than anything else, and much easier to clean. Plus, it looks nice! Maybe I've just been lucky to have rats that aren't very chewy.
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Sep 28, 2013 01:49
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I used to use fleece with towels underneath, like you would in a C&C guinea pig cage. The towels absorb the liquids  a little better so the fleece doesn't feel damp in the pee area (which turned out to be anywhere the litterbox wasn't).
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Sep 28, 2013 02:24
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Yeah, I use a blend of litters in the litter boxes for max odor absorption. Unfortunately, the best place for the rat cage is RIGHT next to the front door (condo livin'), so we have to be really on top of it. But I've had a lot of rats on other beddings in the past, and I've found fleece to be the best. Chewing used to be an issue, but it's really really easy to stay on top of it and figure out what you have to do to keep them from chewing. I haven't had to make new liners in months and months, and it's not because I have magical rats that don't chew.
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Sep 28, 2013 03:13
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So, the boys have been separated into two cages since Sunday. Joker and Scooter are clearly MUCH happier. They've been playing, running around the cage, and cuddling wherever they feel like instead of constantly trying to stay away from Garrus. I think Garrus is happier too, but he also seems a little lonely. He's been letting me handle him quite a bit more, and comes to the cage door when I'm nearby. I don't think the odds are good that I could find another rat that he would get along with. Hopefully he won't pine away in the cage by himself. His appetite has actually picked up, so that's a good sign at least.
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Sep 28, 2013 04:03
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Hello, rat goons. I found what is very clearly a fancy rat (orange cream head, white body, pretty healthy and clean-looking) by my car this evening. When I came back from dinner, she was still chilling in the same spot. I just gave her some dry cat food, and she is chowing down. I think she was probably abandoned, but what should I do? I've never cared for any rodents before (outside of research mice), and it's probably not wise to try handling one I basically found in an alley.  Edit: Whoops. Definitely a little dude. DressCodeBlue fucked around with this message at 18:04 on Sep 28, 2013 |
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Sep 28, 2013 07:53
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RazorBunny, that's good, I'm glad he's doing better as a solo rat.DressCodeBlue posted:Hello, rat goons. Oh no! Don't be certain he was abandoned, some rats are little escape artists and get out of their cages. Though people definitely do abandon them sometimes. I would put up posters like you would for a dog, someone might be very worried. You probably don't have much to worry about handling him, wear gloves and see if he can be picked up (if you haven't already). A pet rat can not survive out on its own, so maybe take it to a rescue if you can't hold onto it? If you want something to keep him in you can adapt a plastic storage tub by cutting out part of the lid and cable tying wire mesh over it, some people do that for breeding tubs etc. Or use a small animal carrier (not a cat carrier if it has wide bars, rats can escape through very small spaces) for a temporary holder until you can get him to a rescue or vet, find his owner or decide on keeping him. For food you might have around, rats like things like rice, dry pasta, Cheerios, small amounts of nuts, fruit and veg. Or bits of whatever you eat. Big Bug Hug fucked around with this message at 09:35 on Sep 28, 2013 |
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Sep 28, 2013 09:29
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I vote take him home and love him forever 
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Sep 28, 2013 15:28
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Looked up some rat-safe human food, and I have plenty of it. Only gave him the cat food since I was kind of panicking and it was what I had in the car. So I went back to the lot with a carrier, but he (along with all the food) has vanished. I'll try again tonight (ratties are nocturnal, right?).  If I manage to catch him, I'll try to locate his owners but I also was able to find a bunch of rat rescues in Austin. Definitely can't keep him, though. I have a very large cat with a very large prey drive. DressCodeBlue fucked around with this message at 19:17 on Sep 28, 2013 |
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Sep 28, 2013 19:12
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lots of people posted:Fleece! Yeah, I'm already using fleece, but my two ladies are chewers. Even with multiple clips they'll chew off the fleece and move it all around. They get fleece on the top level and ramps, and then Carefresh on the bottom. They're litter trained, so all the poops are in a litter tray (though they love tossing the actual litter OUT) it's just the pee all over the place. Shoving the cage in the shower will probably be what I do once I move out of this house and I won't have someone bitching about the shower being dirty. Thanks!
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Sep 29, 2013 17:23
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toot toot quick photoshoot   
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Oct 5, 2013 19:21
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Thems some gorgeous rats you've got there. I love their different eyes! 
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Oct 5, 2013 22:25
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I know, I love how that photo came out - wish my lovely camera skills (and cheapish camera, but mostly the lovely camera skills) didn't get in the way most of the time. I don't think I'd be able to tell them apart if not for the eyes, to be honest, but I don't think I'll get pink eyed ones in future. Kriek looks really adorable, and she's a really loving rat, but you can tell the semi-blindness that comes with the eyes holds her back a lot I don't think it's something they can really breed out at the moment, but still. It's not like it ruins her life, but it is a shame.
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Oct 6, 2013 12:09
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Oct 6, 2013 12:29
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WEEDLORD CHEETO posted:I don't think I'd be able to tell them apart if not for the eyes, to be honest, but I don't think I'll get pink eyed ones in future. Kriek looks really adorable, and she's a really loving rat, but you can tell the semi-blindness that comes with the eyes holds her back a lot Really? I haven't noticed any difference between my red-eyed Champagne rat and her black-eyed friends. They are all as blind and stupid as each other  .
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Oct 6, 2013 13:32
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Some do the head swaying thing and others don't seem very affected. Is it specifically PEWs that have the worst vision I wonder? I had a champagne hooded who while his vision was worse than his brothers, wasn't really limited by it.
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Oct 6, 2013 15:42
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WEEDLORD CHEETO posted:I know, I love how that photo came out - wish my lovely camera skills (and cheapish camera, but mostly the lovely camera skills) didn't get in the way most of the time. Do you ever put out blankets or towels to level the playing field? My PEW doesn't sway her head if she is in the dark.
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Oct 6, 2013 15:47
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My white guy also does the head swaying thing a lot, but it doesn't seem to keep him from running around and doing his thing. At least he doesn't give the impression of being any less active than his buddy to me. A small question: are running wheels a good thing to give to rats? I'm a student in a small flat and don't currently have the means to let my ratty buddies run around as much as I'd want to. I had to take them to the vet a few days ago and she said one of the guys is getting a bit pudgy, so I'm looking into ways to keep them fit. I hear they tend to give rats back problems in the long run, though, so I'm not sure whether it's a good idea.
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Oct 6, 2013 15:49
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As long as you get a huge wheel they're fine, their tails will curl sometimes but thats ok. A big enough wheel won't hurt their back. Though I've never had any luck getting any of my boys to use a wheel for anything other than a bed. Also check which ones are safe. Some are dodgy and feet can get caught etc. I'm in Australia so not sure which good rat wheels you guys have, but hopefully someone can recommend one. Big Bug Hug fucked around with this message at 16:25 on Oct 6, 2013 |
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Oct 6, 2013 16:23
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We use the 12-inch giant "Silent Spinner" wheel, and have never had any issues. The wheel is so large I haven't had any of them develop wheelie-tail either.
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Oct 6, 2013 16:26
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Does this one (sorry, German only) look secure to you guys? It's fairly solid-looking and doesn't have any gaps where a rat could get stuck. Expensive as hell, but I guess at least it'll last me a lifetime.
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Oct 6, 2013 16:35
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Cardiovorax posted:Does this one (sorry, German only) look secure to you guys? It's fairly solid-looking and doesn't have any gaps where a rat could get stuck. Expensive as hell, but I guess at least it'll last me a lifetime. That looks safe, but it's gonna get nasty with pee.
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Oct 6, 2013 17:35
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Cardiovorax posted:Does this one (sorry, German only) look secure to you guys? It's fairly solid-looking and doesn't have any gaps where a rat could get stuck. Expensive as hell, but I guess at least it'll last me a lifetime. ...is that ...wood? Nevermind pee, they'll chew it to bits.
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Oct 6, 2013 17:49
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It's the only option I have, there are no other wheels of that size available here, everything else is ~30 centimeters in diameter or less, which is barely bigger than my rats are. I love my guys and everything, but I can't afford importing something even if I wanted to. They've got a lot of wooden stuff in their cage too and have never shown any interest in chewing on it, so I guess at least that won't be a problem.
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Oct 6, 2013 19:09
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Get a ratball if you can. I plan on getting one soon so my rats can chill around the house. Also want to grab a leash for outside.
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Oct 6, 2013 23:51
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JGBeagle posted:Get a ratball if you can. I plan on getting one soon so my rats can chill around the house.
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Oct 7, 2013 00:09
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Cardiovorax posted:That's a horrible idea and I recommend that you don't do that. Animals hate being in those things, it's horribly stressful and terrifying to them. They're pretty much considered animal cruelty these days. Well gently caress, guess they're going to be stuck in that cage then.  EDIT: For clarity I had to move into a no-pet apartment after living in a house for so long so I can't have them running around my room anymore. I also have to hide them in the closet now. GenderSelectScreen fucked around with this message at 01:09 on Oct 7, 2013 |
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Oct 7, 2013 01:05
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Garrus actually wanted to come out of his cage and explore a little today! He hasn't wanted to do that in forever. He fights like a mad fiend if I pick him up, so I just left the door open and let him clamber out on his own schedule. He wandered around the table where his cage is for a few minutes, had a staring contest with Leela, and then went back in his cage and went to sleep. He's still pretty grumpy overall, but he's definitely happier and friendlier in the small cage.
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Oct 13, 2013 04:42
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JGBeagle posted:Well gently caress, guess they're going to be stuck in that cage then. I've had several rats in a no-pet apartment, it's not like landlord is going to be watching your every single move inside your unit. They can still free range. Unless you have a roommate that doesn't know about them and could "rat" on you.
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Oct 13, 2013 05:25
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You should check if forbidding small pets like rats is even legal where you live. I'm also going to live in a pet-free apartment come December, but forbidding small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs or rats is actually not allowed over here, because there's no reasonable way in which they could damage the apartment or annoy the neighbours.
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Oct 13, 2013 11:36
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Cardiovorax posted:You should check if forbidding small pets like rats is even legal where you live. I'm also going to live in a pet-free apartment come December, but forbidding small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs or rats is actually not allowed over here, because there's no reasonable way in which they could damage the apartment or annoy the neighbours. Well, if they escaped rats could certainly do a number on your wiring. I had one years ago who found telephone cables delicious.
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Oct 13, 2013 12:02
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