Steam table pans for Breeding rack tubs?

[MoshBalls]

I was just watching a video on youtube about rat maternal tubs and JKR uses 2 1/2 inch deep tubs for the maternal tubs so that the babies can reach the food. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfHa8lxMpio&NR=1
I checked out the tubs he uses, but then I started thinking about some trays I saw at Sam's club that are metal and used in the resturant industry for Buffet pans. http://www.samsclub.com/sams/shop/pr...id=164319#desc

Has anyone ever considered using them, since they can't be chewed through easily? What are some of the draw backs to doing that?

They seem to be a little wider. His was 9.5 wide 21.5 deep and 3.5 tall
Just a thought. I know the one linked to is only 2.5 tall but it was just a starting point.

[Simple Man]

Not needed. I was worried about it too but mine hand upside down on the hardware cloth and eat without problem. That phase lasts a week or two and then they can reach it. Never had a chew out on the plastic tubs I use.

Regards,

B

[snakesRkewl]

Brian's right, at about 3 weeks old they jump up and hang upside down and chew through the bars, they are very good at this and after a week or so they can reach the bars just fine without any help.
Before 3 weeks old they should mostly be on momma's milk and shouldn't need to be eating block food full time.
In fact I don't let them eat much if any block food if I'm going to feed them before they hit 4 weeks old, only what they scrounge that the mom didn't eat.

[Highline Reptiles South]

When they are in that inbetween phase I just add a little extra pine shavings to raise them up.

For me in GA I would worry about a metal pan being too conductive - both on the hot and cold side....

[Stewart_Reptiles]

Chewing is not something you have to worry about with a nursing mother she is way to busy to chew if she is not nursing she is eating drinking and resting than back to nursing.

Adults in communal housing are the one that can chew but a simple piece of wood in their pan takes care of the issue.

[jasbus]

Been raising rats for over 20 years... Never had an issue with baby rats reaching food... They love to eat and will find a way to get it...