New Rat Bins

Thanks guys for the updated comments...I think we're gonna try our hand at rat breeding as well (breeding our own rats will be cheaper than gas to reptile store + rat cost =P) and wanna go workable and economical on some tubs. =D

is that woody pet substrate as good as it looks?

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Originally Posted by rattlesnakemp

is that woody pet substrate as good as it looks?

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Yes...I have been using it for almost a year now and would never use anything else. You don't have to use much and it last a long time with minimal smell build-up. Win-win-win .

Now if only a store in Toledo, OH would sell the stuff! :taz:

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Originally Posted by frankykeno

Now if only a store in Toledo, OH would sell the stuff! :taz:

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I know the feeling but I found something similar in my area, Guardian Horse Pellet Beddinf

Now that you've used the new bins for a while, have you had any problems with rats escaping or any other problems? Have you altered the design any since making those? I want to try making some myself. Thanks!

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Originally Posted by Reptilian

How did you cut the opening for the mesh and what type of product are you referring to when you say "hot knife"? I have an idea in my head as to what it is, but can't place the name of it.

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You can get a hot knife at Michael's Arts and Crafts stores. They have one that is made by Walnut Hollow "Designed for Her Creative Hotknife Tool". I didn't see a price on it. It basically looks like a saudering iron with an exacto blade attachment.

Oh we do have a Michael's here. I will check that out as I've been looking for a hot knife for ages now...thanks!

The only design change we made was to wire the hardware cloth to the inside of the tub rather than the outside. We did see a tiny bit of chewing out so with that change, it's stopped that going on. Other than that I love the tubs. They offer a lot of room and are so well ventilated there is really no ammonia build up at all. Especially in my male only feeder tubs, that's an important thing with many male rodents in one area.

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Originally Posted by Hathor

Now that you've used the new bins for a while, have you had any problems with rats escaping or any other problems? Have you altered the design any since making those? I want to try making some myself. Thanks!

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I haven't had any escapees from those bins. They work wonderfully and as Jo said...there is plenty of air circulation which cuts way down on the amonia smell.

I believe I have a total of 8 of them now and they are all the same. No changes for me.

:D

Thanks for your help! I'm going to go get the supplies today!!! I can't wait to make them!