Silent Water Bottles?

[Scarbi]

So, here is the situation:

Between 5-10 adult rats, will be breeding with between 1-3 litters being raised at any given time.

Need a housing solution that takes up the least amount of space while still being humane for the animals.

Need a watering solution that is silent or as quiet as possible.

Need a bedding solution that absorbs as much scent as possible.

In other words, discretion is key.

Now here's the kicker.... I need to get this solution in place within 5 days.

I *can* build things (would rather not), but the only power tool I own is a drill, and I don't really have a clear area to work in if it requires more than the drill.

I have around $400 that I can spend.

My tiny collection of rats and snakes means the world to me, so I am willing to do whatever it takes to keep them.

The main concern I have is the watering system. You can only do so much to minimize rodent noise, but the water bottles are a big part of that.

For the rest, I am searching around for a used rack, and considering getting some lab cages.

Your help is appreciated more than I can say.

[RichsBallPythons]

if you have $400 you can build a rat rack that has 6 tubs for about 150$ in materials. then you an use water bottles for now till you order the automatic water system.

[The Serpent Merchant]

Check out these videos they show an easy rodent rack set up with a watering system. These watering systems are very quiet.

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=EfHa8lxMpio

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Wt1MOnzUmnY

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7TJNa4CWPXI

[GoFride]

Not sure what your situation is, but since you want to save hassle, time, space and money, why not get a compact freezer? No rack building needed, it can easily hold enough feeders for your small collection, and would be a lot more discrete than bins full of rats. I've seen them as small as 2 cubic feet. You could get one today and be done with it. Is F/T an option for you?

[Scarbi]

Not sure what your situation is, but since you want to save hassle, time, space and money, why not get a compact freezer? No rack building needed, it can easily hold enough feeders for your small collection, and would be a lot more discrete than bins full of rats. I've seen them as small as 2 cubic feet. You could get one today and be done with it. Is F/T an option for you?

Well I breed the rats for pleasure, really. I sell the best ones as pets and keep the rest for feeders. I have a lot of fun messing around with the genetics, and the pet sales help pay for both rodent and reptile supplies.

[Scarbi]

I do appreciate the suggestions and info on building racks, but my major problem with that is that I have no power tools to use, and I have no area in which I could use power tools even if I had them. If there is a way to build a rack when you have only a handheld drill, I am all ears!

[The Serpent Merchant]

You could do it with a hand saw and a drill, it will take a little longer but power tools aren't required. (you could get the necessary hand tools and still be in your budget)

[Scarbi]

It looks as though big apple herp sells water bottles without those dratted metal balls in them. I ordered a few to see if that will solve my problem. If not I will be looking at getting a rack set up.