Rat Colony Enclosure?

I was just wondering if something like this would work for a small colony of rats? I purchased it years ago for a rescued monitor and it has been sitting empty ever since:

http://www.reptiletubs.com/ve175photos.htm

It is thick plastic and already has a bunch of air holes soldered near the top of the bin with smooth edges, though I suppose I could just make a top to fit with wood and 1/2" wire. The dimensions are 20 7/8"W x 52 7/8"L x 14 1/16"H. Thanks so much!

Lauren

That will work fine. Just not with the current cover. Rats need a decent amount of air ventilation otherwise they're susceptible to Respiratory Infection.
Making a top yourself sounds like the way to go.

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In that picture it looks like there are grooves running on the inside of the tub. If there are, it won't be sufficient. They'd chew right through it. If the inside is completely smooth, then yes. It would work fine.

Thanks for the replies. There are 6 "ripples" on the sides. They aren't edges exactly, but they do slope in and out (I guess to reinforce the shape?). Would it work as a temporary colony for a month or so until I get or build a rack? Or would they be chewed immediately? I used to raise rats in a steel rack years ago so I have no experience with plastic type setups. I can provide plenty of wood and toys if it would help.

Thanks!

Lauren

If you have chewers I'd start over. Chewing is a learned response and it wont matter what enclosure they are in. If they learn they can chew through it nothing will stop them. Not that enclosure and definately not a rack will stop them. If you don't have chewers you could almost keep them in anything and you'll be fine. I have about 200 rats that I keep in racks and not a single one chews. In the beginning i had to put a whole tank down because they started chewing out of everything. I couldnt have the whole colony learning that, so Chewers and babies of chewers get culled immediately.


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I hope they aren't chewers, but they aren't here yet so I am not sure what behaviors they will exhibit. They are coming from a local breeder that produces rodents for pets and feeders both.

Thanks!

Lauren

Replace the top, or the rats will probably make enough heat to overheat in the enclosed tub.

I agree about the chewing. If you see anyone chewing, cull them.

You can get a really large tub that you can modify from Walmart for around $11. It should work much better for you, and if they chew it, so what, it was only $11. I have a feeling that link you sent shows a container that is much more expensive.

I am going to defer to the experience here for sure. I was hoping to get some use out of this tub because it is enormous and has just been sitting here, but I don't want it destroyed either. I will see if I can get a couple large tubs from Walmart or Target to try. I can easily make tops for them with wood/wire and give them a go. That will also help me figure out if I have chewers when they arrive.

Thanks for all of your help!

Lauren

I have a friend that made a screen top for the tubs you get at home depot/lowes. He has them resting on a table. A screen top with a wood frame, and when he get around to making his rack he will still have the tub to use. He is using it for his grow outs right now :) Once he racks the tub, he will still have the screen top in case he needs it for an emergency. THe smaller concrete tubs, that are still plenty large, cost under 6 bucks here.

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Originally Posted by SentinelSerpents

I am going to defer to the experience here for sure. I was hoping to get some use out of this tub because it is enormous and has just been sitting here, but I don't want it destroyed either. I will see if I can get a couple large tubs from Walmart or Target to try. I can easily make tops for them with wood/wire and give them a go. That will also help me figure out if I have chewers when they arrive.

Thanks for all of your help!

Lauren

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