Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Ive heard of adding vinegar to reduce smell. Only like 2-3 drops for 16 oz. Now I know it seems like that would just increase their thirst ... but the romans used to drink vinegar to keep themselves hydrated (I saw a show that mentioned it on the discovery channel ... If you want specifics PM me).
I dont like suggesting anything without having tried it first ... so I bought some tonight ... just havent decided which group to experiment with.
I have used vanilla in the past ... It does work to some extent ... you only need about a tablespoon per 16 ozs. To get it cheaper try checking out restaurant supply stores or ordering it by the case.
The ones that stink the worst are the tubs with babies ... something about the mom eating the baby crap and then getting it through her system makes for some stinky tubs.
Lower temps will help alot with less urine ... I really havent noticed alot of difference in water consumption with temps between 76f and 68f. Over 76 and they drink alot more water ... Under 68f it seems to affect reproduction rates.
Bryan
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweety314
lol How much vanilla were U planning on using per tub?? It dont take much. :)
I was planning on 1 ounce per 128 ounces of water, so 2 tablespoons per gallon.
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
One thing that makes cleaning a LOT easier is to use a shop vac to vacuum the bedding out. No more removing the rats one by one and then putting them all back when the cage is clean.
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Shelby I like that idea ... So once the bedding is gone you just dump more right on top of the rats? What about with pups in there ... can you accidently suck them up? And how do you keep the rats from freaking out and heading for the tub opening?
Even when using a normal vacumm to vacuum surrounding carpeted areas the mice and rats flip out ... the rats are all huddled in one corner on top of the babies ... and the mice get their heads stuck in the hardware cloth.
Thanks,
Bryan
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Yes I just scoop the fresh bedding right in there with the rats.
If there are real small babies, I will usually pick them out and put them in a separate container. I do my best not to suck them up.. the babies don't take it too well (could be the 6 horse power vacuum though lol) I have vacuumed a few sub adults, and they didn't seem to mind. lol
Half of my cages are a freedom breeder rack.. I just slide the tub out half way, the rats all crowd in the far corner, they typically do not try to get out because that involves running past the scary vacuum. The other cages are lab style, and I just take the lid off, and lay it sideways over the top so it covers it halfway. The rats crowd under the lid to 'hide' and I can still get the bedding out.
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Interesting. I'm still separating my mothers as Ive been having mass losses if I leaves babies in with other mothers/breeder racks.
I just did the whole vanilla thing, and put down baking soda, then a thin layer of pine, and then a good layer of aspen. It wasnt too bad this week, so Im hoping with these two additions my problem is mostly solved :) will update to give results.
I did go through 18 lbs of baking soda though :P
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Quote:
Originally Posted by SnakeySnakeSnake
Interesting. I'm still separating my mothers as Ive been having mass losses if I leaves babies in with other mothers/breeder racks.
I just did the whole vanilla thing, and put down baking soda, then a thin layer of pine, and then a good layer of aspen. It wasnt too bad this week, so Im hoping with these two additions my problem is mostly solved :) will update to give results.
I did go through 18 lbs of baking soda though :P
Might want to check out CostCo's or some other restaurant distributors prices for the b.soda!!!! lol
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Quote:
Originally Posted by sweety314
Might want to check out CostCo's or some other restaurant distributors prices for the b.soda!!!! lol
I got it for 44 cents a pound, arm and hammer through sams
I even went easy on it, but I have about 150 square feet of cage flooring to cover currently
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
I'm interested to hear how it works for you.
Does the vanilla extract have to be the real thing, or can it be the artificial or imitation kind? I thought vanilla extract was expensive.
Re: Reducing Smell of Rats
Quote:
Originally Posted by Shelby
I'm interested to hear how it works for you.
Does the vanilla extract have to be the real thing, or can it be the artificial or imitation kind? I thought vanilla extract was expensive.
I use the imitation vanilla extract, so far it works pretty good.
