ASF sterilite tub (pics)

[juddb]

So quick question.

Why the wire mesh everyone seems to have on their cages?
Can't I just melt holes in the tub like we do for snake ventilation on racks?

I think the reason is without enough ventilation, the tubs would be horribly "stinky". I imagine it would smell like pure ammonia after a few days.

[hobbyist]

I guess the question is do you want a mild smell in your room of choice and a bad one on cleaning day (assumably outside), or with wire mesh I assume the smell would dissipate enough it wouldnt be as bad on cleaning day, but your room may smell a bit worse for it.
I ask because im going to be raising two-three colonies in a one-bedroom apartment in the next few weeks, and dont want guests to balk at the smell.
Any ideas besides treated bedding, good ventilation, vanilla in water, and ot overcrowding?

[littleindiangirl]

ASF's in small numbers don't smell so strongly your entire house will smell. I have a particularly sensitive nose to them too.

The hardware cloth is best for the animals health. Ammonia build up will make your rats sick. Rats have a higher rate of respiration than snakes, they also pee and poop a lot more too. More ventilation the better!