New Rat Rack

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

Another idea for the bottom. My friend used wire for the bottoms of his growing up racks. Than had a metal shop make large metal pans like for a rabbit hutch. Fills that with shavings and it is set. The rats don't seem to mind the wire.

Also how big are those tubs you were using the look really large. Thanks todd

the big tubs are ~ 2'x3'

Wire is an option but it gets NASTY when rats poop on it and it gets stuck, hard to clean, and vacuuming wouldnt work, and with 1/2" screen not everythign will fall through, and you dont want them on their feet on wire the whole time.

[Wild Bill]

Nope none. like 3 or 4 leaks but those were my fault for not cleaning the hoses. No floods.

Leaks from not cleaning hoses? Could you explain? I am getting ready to do my whole mouse room, any recommendations? Is there better or bad valves to use? Is the clear tubing working well? Do you have to clean the tubing often? Etc.

[SnakeySnakeSnake]

Leaks from not cleaning hoses? Could you explain? I am getting ready to do my whole mouse room, any recommendations? Is there better or bad valves to use? Is the clear tubing working well? Do you have to clean the tubing often? Etc.

My water isnt the best, a little bit of scum builds up on the inside of the hoses after a few months. When I see it buid up I clean the hoses out. Ive let one group of hoses go for a while because I was busy, and eventually a piece of scum blocked a few closed.

As far as blocking open, Im not 100% sure the cause of those, but cleaning the valves an tubes helped. I use edstrom variflow valves.


Id say depending on rate of buildup, cleaning once every 2 months is normal for me. With black tubes the light might not let some stuff grow? (not that Ive noticed a lot of growth) but then you cant see when stuff needs cleaned.

Ive used both clear tube and now black tube on my latest one (only because I was out of clear tube).

[frankykeno]

I'd watch using that wire mesh style floor for rats. It works okay for other creatures but rats have very different feet with little protection. They tend to get their feet caught in that kind of wire flooring and when playing around, can break a leg or a foot. Also the wire can be very rough and then they walk through feces and you can end up with rats with bumblefoot.

[Wild Bill]

By the way Bryan, nice avatar. LOL!!! Is that what happens after you spend half the day cleaning out tubing???

[jknudson]

I'd watch using that wire mesh style floor for rats. It works okay for other creatures but rats have very different feet with little protection. They tend to get their feet caught in that kind of wire flooring and when playing around, can break a leg or a foot. Also the wire can be very rough and then they walk through feces and you can end up with rats with bumblefoot.

I believe he used melamine for the flooring in those cages.

[Wild Bill]

I believe he used melamine for the flooring in those cages.

I think they were referring to the post below from earlier in the thread.

Another idea for the bottom. My friend used wire for the bottoms of his growing up racks. Than had a metal shop make large metal pans like for a rabbit hutch. Fills that with shavings and it is set. The rats don't seem to mind the wire.

Also how big are those tubs you were using the look really large. Thanks todd

[smilin-buddha]

I am not sure of that I have just seen it work at my buddies rat room. I have never tried it. I use tubs, but my production is alot smaller than the amount you are talking about. I think alot of the labs use a similar wire bottom in their cages with pans below. Was just an idea. I like the other 4 tub stack. I have a month off and I can see me doing soemthing like that. Todd

[stangs13]

yeha the mel. is the only worrie about that. And the auto water too. But thats a given to be worried about...lol.Either way it looks veyr very good!!!! I will be lookign at yourdesiine for ideas!

[jknudson]

I think they were referring to the post below from earlier in the thread.

Ah, i see! Thanks Bill.

-Jason