Rodent racks

Who builds them? Is there someone in the DC/Baltimore MD/Richmond VA area that I could talk to / visit?

I really need to find a solution to my ASFs. I tried a bin, it worked for 2 weeks, and then one of them chewed out. Darn. :(


Suggestions are good too. :D

I'd go ARS or freedom breeder...if you have the money...otherwise there are some DIY racks/cages in the DIY forum...

I just use 40 gallon breeding tanks to keep ours in without issues

I'd follow one of the DIY guides for racks. I kept my ASFs in racks when I had them without a problem. They tried to eat my hands every day but never had a problem with them chewing tubs or anything.

I have them in 10 gallon tanks now, but I have 10 of them, because I breed indivudual colour colonies. :(

DIY is great, but I just don't have the tools. I'm sort of looking for someone who makes them in the area maybe? Or someone who has a really great solution otherwise. :D

There's got to be an 'easy way. :rolleyes:

There is actually very limited tools needed. I think you could do it with a power drill, saw, staple gun, and that should be it. Having more tools makes it easier or better tools but those 3 will get you where you need to go.

Boa Master, I think they are in Virginia. I purchased a couple of rat racks from them at Tinley, I love them

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Originally Posted by Rhasputin

DIY is great, but I just don't have the tools.

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Here's what I wrote in another thread regarding tools for a rack.

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I use clamps when screwing the wood together to keep it straight. Most important tools for building besides a drill - big and little clamps, an electric staple gun and a second drill.

You can get your wood cut at Home Depot or Lowes if you have a cut list with you so you don't even need the saw. Other things that make it easier - a t-square and a level.

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I know you can do it. Look at what you do with those little devils. :P

It looks like Boa Master makes some nice racks... But as with everything else you can make it for 1/3 the cost. For something that will get pee'd on poop'd on and used and abused build one yourself. It's more fun, will give you something to do. And as always once you finish step back and look at what you've done it feels awesome. Also, reach to out some local friends that might have the tools... That's a shot aswell.

Well I do have just about every tool in existance at work. . . maybe it wouldn't be so bad to build one after all. :rolleyes:

My friend even thinks I could make the racks i need for about $80 in lumber. Which would be pretty great. :)

80.00 in lumber? How many racks you building? I was able to build a 6 tub rack with HD tubs using 2x4s as legs and 2x2s for the levels and tubs,wood,hardware cloth, and screws it was about 50.00 total

We spent less than $70 for 6 bin rack (and there were supplies left to build a smaller one). Two of the cement tubs are the super large ones that are almost 3'. It's extremely cheap and easy to build one. They are a blessing to anyone with a large rodent colony.

I'm actually thinking about getting another one built soon.

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Originally Posted by azmodane

80.00 in lumber? How many racks you building? I was able to build a 6 tub rack with HD tubs using 2x4s as legs and 2x2s for the levels and tubs,wood,hardware cloth, and screws it was about 50.00 total

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I have to call BS on this one. 6 of the small HD tubs cost $36 alone. Hardware cloth is at least $12. Screws are $6. Staples are $5. 2x2's are around $1.50 each and you'll need 11 to 20 depending on your design.

You can make one for less than $100. How much less? It depends. Don't forget the cost for water bottles or an auto system.

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

We spent less than $70 for 6 bin rack (and there were supplies left to build a smaller one). Two of the cement tubs are the super large ones that are almost 3'. It's extremely cheap and easy to build one. They are a blessing to anyone with a large rodent colony.

I'm actually thinking about getting another one built soon.

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It's $27 for two of the large tubs. I think you guys are missing something with the estimates. It gets cheaper with the second and third racks because you have supplies left over but the first one is going to cost more.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

It's $27 for two of the large tubs. I think you guys are missing something with the estimates. It gets cheaper with the second and third racks because you have supplies left over but the first one is going to cost more.

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They are $8.99 each at the local hardware store. The smallish ones are $5.99.

Maybe you need to find somewhere you can get the concrete tubs cheaper. Paying $27 for two is outrages.The most I've ever seen them is $10 each and that is super expensive.

I'm not counting the cost of the screws and staples, because we have a room full of tools. I also did not do a water system, I still use bottles.

So, I will clarify. The concrete tubs, lumber and hardware cloth was under $80. My next rack I will just be out the cost of the tubs and I think I am doing four of the smaller sizes, so..under $30. It really does get cheaper to make them after you've made your first few.

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Originally Posted by JohnNJ

It's $27 for two of the large tubs. I think you guys are missing something with the estimates. It gets cheaper with the second and third racks because you have supplies left over but the first one is going to cost more.

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That could have been why. I went with the big 25foot roll i believe of the cloth. so then estimated the cost down. same with the wood. I bought the longest 2x4s cut and ripped....

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Originally Posted by Michelle.C

They are $8.99 each at the local hardware store. The smallish ones are $5.99.

Maybe you need to find somewhere you can get the concrete tubs cheaper. Paying $27 for two is outrages.The most I've ever seen them is $10 each and that is super expensive.

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I get them from Home Depot. We don't really have any hardware stores left.

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1...atalogId=10053

Rhasputin, check your PM's. I live in the area and have all of the tools and skills to throw a few of these together.