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I have had it in mind to get a pair of rats as pets for a long time, I've decided to bite the bullet and build an enclosure.
For the cage I'm thinking 1800x300x600 high split in to two levels with an enclosed area at top, the side of an old fridge as a removable tray and a couple of doors.
Can anyone point to me to any Australian websites or forums where I can get general info about cages and rats in general - food etc.
Cheers
Fonix. Good luck with the Rats. Our youngest son had a pair a number of years ago and they do make great pets.
Its been too long for me to have any relevant links for you, but I would say, don't rely on any part of the cage being timber or plastic as they will chew through it in 10 seconds flat. Fine mesh like bird mesh as on internal lining would be adequate and timber for aesthetics.
We did let them out for a couple of hours most days as they need their exercise and generally they were no trouble, much cleaner than mice. Just beware of them near 12v power supplies and cables. Not sure what it is but they love them
Other notes - Don't get 2 males or a male & female. The males will fight until one dies (sometimes litter mates will tolerate each other). Male + female = LOTS of babies. So make sure you get 2 females (and make sure they aren't pregnant when delivered).
As for wood - rats NEED something to chew on, so it may be a good way to dispose of your smaller off cuts of untreated wood, both pine & hardwood.
Make sure they have an enclosed nest box (with lots of old newspaper to chew up for a nest) as both rats and mice suffer if exposed to draughts and cold. Clean out the nest box regularly and replace contents with unchewed paper - something for the youngster to do, they are his pets.
Rat pellets made for lab rats are a good feed, but like people rats like variety in their food - grains, greens, vegetable scraps. Cheese and some other foods make the droppings smell more. Some lab experiments suggest if you feed rats enough of only one thing they will get cancer regardless of what it is. Get a lab rat type drip water feeder rather than use an open water container too, less mess.
SHMBO suggested that you make sure they are bred as pets NOT feeder babies. Pet bred have a far better temperment.
Kryn