Vanilla extract

I never had that great of luck with the vanilla, not sure if different brands make a difference or if I was using to much or to little. I'm certain I probably didn't use it long enough and that is my own fault. When water is low like a robot I simply refill it as I'm used to any smells they give off. I am testing out the baking soda suggestion. I put some in one rat and one mouse holding/growing tub as that is where there is a higher concentration of males. I also stole (out of the fridge) one of those odor eater baking soda boxes that my wife uses in fridge and freezer and have it in the room near the rodents...worth a shot :P

I know Bryan (bdadawg) said that he didn't have luck using vinegar. I had read somewhere to use apple cider vinegar (a few drops to 8oz water). I tried that for a while, then quit (like TekWarren - robot filling with water). I did notice a difference. However, I'm just now trying the vanilla. Problem is - vanilla is waay more expensive than apple cider vinegar!

Steve

Actually I said that it didnt have an appreciable difference ... My wife complained less, just wasnt worth the effort.

I have since found (since doing the "experiments") that the 3 biggest impacts, are feed, bedding, and cleaning frequency.

If you want to check out if the feed changes the smell I'll ship you some of mine. Food is free shipping is 8.10 (USPS flat rate box). It's approx 13 lbs of food. 13 lbs will last a 1:3 colony with litters 2 weeks, or a pair with litters for abut 2 months. Just PM me.

For those playing with water bottles im doing experimenting on 6 types of automatic valves. Edstrom Vari-Flo valves, Edstrom Standard Valves, The dew drop valve, another spring loaded valve, the borak valves, and a local valve used for mink. I'm not at all impressed with the vari-flo valves. The other ones should be arriving this week.

So hopefully i'll remember to update as I get the results (going to use each type on 12 enclosures for a minimum of one month with each having its own feed).

Bryan

I remember you PM'ing me offering to send some food my way to try Bryan. I may take you up on it just to see. I'm feeding a block diet already but doesn't hurt to try others. What where you using again and can you give any info on it?

I'm thinking more and more about a gravity fed water system. With a central point of water I would probably be more apt to keep adding a supplement (like vanila) but its just hasn't seemed worth it when filling a number of bottles. Keep us posted on the valves.

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Originally Posted by Bdadawg

Actually I said that it didnt have an appreciable difference ... My wife complained less, just wasnt worth the effort. ...

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Sorry, I misinterpreted your post.

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Originally Posted by Bdadawg

... For those playing with water bottles im doing experimenting on 6 types of automatic valves. Edstrom Vari-Flo valves, Edstrom Standard Valves, The dew drop valve, another spring loaded valve, the borak valves, and a local valve used for mink. I'm not at all impressed with the vari-flo valves. The other ones should be arriving this week.

So hopefully i'll remember to update as I get the results (going to use each type on 12 enclosures for a minimum of one month with each having its own feed).

Bryan

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Please do keep us informed how things go with the valves. The only reason I hadn't already ordered the Vari-Flo valves is that I ran out of $$$!

Thanks!
Steve

I've been meaning to update this I did a test last week with the baking soda suggestions. I sprinkled a little in two of the stinkier tubs containing alot of males that where growing out (mice), and another tub that had rats. I also had my wife pick up an extra one of those fridge/freezer baking soda odor eater boxes and have that in the room also. I must say by the end of last week it was a world of difference! I have a few less rodents this week after feeding some off but I did not put the baking soda in the tubs this last weekend when cleaning. I'm seeing if just the odor eater box will help enough. If so they are cheap enough at under a buck and supposed to last like 3 months.

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Originally Posted by TekWarren

I remember you PM'ing me offering to send some food my way to try Bryan. I may take you up on it just to see. I'm feeding a block diet already but doesn't hurt to try others. What where you using again and can you give any info on it?

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You will find with breeders that alot of them use Mazuri 6f. I dont like them because they use alfalfa and corn ... they are more of a "pet" food supplier. I prefer Harlan 2018, and this is what I've based my rat food on. It is mostly soy based.

Hoo ... no worries its real easy to misinterpret when you cant see the other person. I'm sure we will continue to misinterpret each other for years to come ::grins::.

I must be in a good mood this week cause im sending out 11 packages with 13 lbs of food for the cost of shipping only. If anyone else wants some just PM me.

Bryan

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Originally Posted by lord jackel

Has anyone tried a product like this

"Marshall Pet Bi-Odor Ferret Waste Deodorizer"

http://www.petco.com/Shop/petco_Product_Nav_248_sku_161926_R_8163_enemerch_1.aspx?cm_re=248-_-FeaturedProductListVertical1-_-161926



Seems like is would be a good product to reduce the smell...but since Ferrets were never intended to be fed to anything I don't know if it would be safe for feeders?

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Instead of a chemical, why not use CHLOROFIL ((SP)) (the green stuff hunters use to get rid of thier own smells while hunting) It usually comes in pill form or capsule..... it can be gotten in health food stores for sure...hunting stores maybe? It could prob. be put in their water.

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Originally Posted by Jeanne

Instead of a chemical, why not use CHLOROFIL ((SP)) (the green stuff hunters use to get rid of thier own smells while hunting) It usually comes in pill form or capsule..... it can be gotten in health food stores for sure...hunting stores maybe? It could prob. be put in their water.

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As an update the "Bio Odor Remover" doesn't work - at least not appreciatably (sp?)

So the search goes on...I will try and find the CHOROFIL next and let you know how that goes.

Sean

I'm telling you folks...the baking soda odor eater boxes usually meant for freezers/fridge help...give it a try.