Rats Chewing Holes in the Tubs

I'm sick of the rats chewing through the tubs I'm using and getting loose. I was wondering if you guys have the same problem and if not, what kind of tubs are you using? I'm using those black concrete mixing tubs which most rack building sites suggest for rats. I repair the holes everytime but they will find a place to make another hole and it's just such a hassel. Any ideas? Thanks! :)

I'm not really qualified to answer that, since I don't use them, but....a question that came to mind - are you offering your rats anything to chew on, like bones from dinner, or even cuttlebone? That might help cut back on the chewing.

I use Jumbo kitty litter pans, no edge that can be chewed on and thicker plastic than those concrete tubs.

I was originally wanting to use concrete tub but after seing them I went a different way.

Never had any issue with my tubs, this is my rack http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/s...ad.php?t=41913 and this is where to find the kitty litter pans for it http://www.amazon.com/Doskocil-Litte...6517435&sr=1-1 and shipping is only 5$

where exactly are they chewing the holes? i use black concrete mixing tubs from lowes--the edges are rounded so it's harder for them to really get a good grip on them. if there is too much space between the top of the tub and the rack i can see how they could probably wedge their snouts in there and chew through...

I use the concrete tubs from HD in one rack and Lowes in the other. For a year no chewing and then 4 tubs in the last month. 3 of them Lowes tubs. I would say make sure your tubs runners are mounted as high as possible so the lip of the tub sits nearly flush to the frame.

Offer toys or something else to chew on other than the tubs.

I dropped in a piece of regular wood, cuttle bones, and also paper towel rolls. It keeps them busy no chewed tubs since I added things.

we have a couple of rats that we find that chew when put in plastic tubs. It started with one rat it seems to be a learned behavior. I cant prove that just our experiance we tend to send the ones the chew to feeder duty. The few that are good breeders we just try and keep in glass tubs.

Just to second what my hubby posted (McAdry) it does seem if one rat starts up with the chewing then non-chewers will become a problem that way as well so we make sure to get those chewers out of the tubs quickly. Once they are tub chewers they seem to never be safe in plastic housing again. We've even tried with one female to keep her in glass for a long while but as soon as she's back in a tub, she immediately chews and every rat in that tub with her eventually follows suit, even if they were housed in there before and didn't try to chew out.

Ok you guys Jinxed me. I get home and what do I see but a little rat head sticking out of a hole in a tub....

Thanks guys :D

We do try to be of help Ed LOL :P

Thank you all for all your replies! :)

Quote:

---

I use Jumbo kitty litter pans, no edge that can be chewed on and thicker plastic than those concrete tubs.

I was originally wanting to use concrete tub but after seing them I went a different way.

Never had any issue with my tubs, this is my rack http://www.ball-pythons.net/forums/...ead.php?t=41913 and this is where to find the kitty litter pans for it http://www.amazon.com/Doskocil-Litt...76517435&sr=1-1 and shipping is only 5$.

---

Thank you very much for this suggestion. I think I may go with these tubs as they seem to work better and are half the price that I have been paying for the concrete tubs. And I will follow your DIY.

Quote:

---

where exactly are they chewing the holes? i use black concrete mixing tubs from lowes--the edges are rounded so it's harder for them to really get a good grip on them. if there is too much space between the top of the tub and the rack i can see how they could probably wedge their snouts in there and chew through...

---

Those must be the same ones I'm using. There is not enough space for them to chew from the top. Somehow they will make a hole right in the middle.

Quote:

---

Ok you guys Jinxed me. I get home and what do I see but a little rat head sticking out of a hole in a tub....

Thanks guys

---

LMAO! What a coincidence!

I will start offering them things to chew on too, thanks guys. :D

Man; I would never be able to accept my rats chewing out! I love using tanks.. good ventilation with metal screen lids.. and I have not met a rat that can chew through glass. Except those human ones that use the glass-cutter tools to break into cars and houses.. :)

Just get a little paddle and spank those rats little butts that will teach them.
heh heh

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by darkdreamer

Just get a little paddle and spank those rats little butts that will teach them.
heh heh

---

Well it was more like "Whack a Mole" the game. Little heads popping out all over the place they thought it was a game.. LOL an their my keepers from a couple of litters ago so no feeding them off