More rat questions...

[whispersinmyhead]

So i love in northern Ontario and infortunately

Long story short: the only place that even found the cement mixing tubs have discontinued them. They sold for $8.99. Now they are able to order the exact same tub (from a different supplier) but the cost is now $17.99.

First question is are these tubs worth the extra cost or will heavier Rubbermaid work just the same?

Also if rubber maid works can I just have one really big grow out bin instead of separating weanlings and adults?

I don't have a lot of space so if I don't do a rack three larger enclosures would be a better fit. Two for breeding groups and one communal for grow outs. Any thoughts?

Sorry so new to this.


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[MisterKyte]

When it comes to tubs, I think just having something with smooth sides that they can't chew on will suffice. I've been using these tubs for my rats and it's worked out just fine.

Personally, I wouldn't recommend cohousing rats with too big of a size difference between them since I've found that the younger/smaller rats usually get put at a serious disadvantage with food and they usually get bullied by the older rats as well. I've noticed when I put younger rats in this sort of a situation, their growth is somewhat more stunted and they tend to get a bit defensive towards people at times as opposed to when they are living with rats their own size/age.

[whispersinmyhead]

Which tubs are you using? Cement or standard storage tubs?


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[MisterKyte]

Oh whoops, sorry, forgot to add the link for you! http://www.sterilite.com/SelectProdu...=252&section=1
I've got a couple of those 110qts and the 66qts and just stick them on a big storage shelf (like for garages) and it works out pretty well for me.

[Shadera]

Got a source for some large cat litter pans? They're easy to find and tend to be cheap. You can use those in a rack, too. Just like Kyte said, anything with smooth sides and bottom they can't get their teeth into should work just fine.

[kc261]

Some people use bus boy tubs too.

[whispersinmyhead]

Yeah for the price of those "good tubs" I can buy a cheaper solution and have a back up set ready to go.

I think our dollar store has kitty litter tubs. A friend in town just let me know that is what he uses in his rack and they haven't chewed them at all. Walmart carries them too I think.


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[MrLang]

It depends what size rats you're going to feed whether or not keeping them together is a good idea. It's really hard on the females to have tons of little juveniles running around when they're dropping and nursing new litters. I gas mine at 60g or so even to feed adults so it doesn't cause much of a problem. If you're looking to feed them closer to 100 or 120g, you'll want a separate grow-out bin.

As mentioned, anything smooth sided that they can't get a grip to chew on is fine.

[whispersinmyhead]

I think 6 tubs should be good enough for what I want and have a grow out bin for weanlings and one for adults.




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[Expensive hobby]

With mortar mixing tubs you can stock at 20-25 grow - outs with weekly cleaning intervals.

With litter pans you can only stock anywhere from 5-10 growouts.

I separate males and females in some racks, and breeder groups in others. 1.5 is great for rat production, and rotate males around.

Once females get round and are within a week of dropping they go to smaller individual birthing tubs until the rats are weaned, then the female goes back into breeding rotation and the weaklings get sexed/separated and go into appropriate sized grow out groups. As they grow they go down the line to the bigger rats tubs, and the bigger ones get fed off and the ones with awesome genes get put into breeding rotation. Just a big circle lol.

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