anyone find mason tubs in-humane?

[dsmalex97]

I just started breeding my rats, and have been doing lots of research about different breeding setups. I know when you need thousands of rats breeding them is the only way so in some cases I guess the mason tubs are kind of needed for space reasons. But does anyone else find it inhumane for multiple rats living in a mason tub to be inhumane? I use big storage bins, not sure the qt size but its one of the biggest ones I could find, and I find them to be more "fair" in terms of living quarters. I think that fact that cant stand is what erks me. I just think there are better ways to keep rats other then mason tubs. Just curious to see how everyone feels on this one, and other breeding tub designs.

[Freakie_frog]

I just started breeding my rats, and have been doing lots of research about different breeding setups. I know when you need thousands of rats breeding them is the only way so in some cases I guess the mason tubs are kind of needed for space reasons. But does anyone else find it inhumane for multiple rats living in a mason tub to be inhumane? I use big storage bins, not sure the qt size but its one of the biggest ones I could find, and I find them to be more "fair" in terms of living quarters. I think that fact that cant stand is what erks me. I just think there are better ways to keep rats other then mason tubs. Just curious to see how everyone feels on this one, and other breeding tub designs.

What the different in a mason tub in a rack system and a big tub??

[alohareptiles]

Forgive the stupid question...But what's a mason tub? I know what a mason jar is

[Freakie_frog]

Forgive the stupid question...But what's a mason tub? I know what a mason jar is

the ones I use are a 2' x 3' black tub that construction people use to mix mortar in

[merdcme]

same floor space. they dont need much height.

[suzuki4life]

the mixing tubs are proper height to allow airflow and easy hopper setup

The tote setup personally i find inferior as a keeper. Much harder to clean and to deal with thus the animal is more prone to fall pray to neglect. Now keep in mind this statement MUST be held on similar grounds....say 3000 animals worth of caging versus the other. If you have a handful of animals then you probably won't understand the concept and wasted time and needed efforts.

[adamjeffery]

i agree with the above poster. when it all comes down to it.....their food anyway. im not saying its ok to neglect them but as long as they are fed,clean and watered and have a basic floor space to move around a little, then thats all you as a keeper need to provide.
adam jeffery

[dsmalex97]

woah sorry I forgot I posted this, busy week!!

Anyway, like I said I understand the need for the rack systems in large collections but if you have a small collection of like 10 or so, I believe the storage bins are the most "humane" way. Rats do like stand up and stretch, I see mine do it ALL the time. I know I would get really frustrated if I couldn't stand up lol. I'm not saying all of you are inhumane people, I was just thinking one day and thought of a diffrerent way which I find a little more humane I guess.

And to the gentleman saying that they can fall more easily to neglect I don't understand you reasoning here. In your case when having to deal with mass amounts, I understand the need for space, and easy clean factors in for you so it deffinately makes more sense to do it your way. But for me cleaning these bins every week is no problem at all, and by no means do they get neglected. I have a screen top that I made, and hoppers as well so ventilation is fine. Like I said the only thing that I find inhumane really is just not being able to stretch out and stand up. Again not trying to insult anyones set-up at all just seeing other peoples views on this.

[Freakie_frog]

In the end it's going to be what is easier for you.. the tubs we use range from 7" deep to 10" deep. I have large adult males that can stand with no problems at all..

If it easier for you to use the bigger tubs go for it.. Do I do I find them more humaine I think they are equally humane.

[rhsm]

I think it all depends on how you use them.

I think if you have wall to wall rats in them yes I think it is inhuman.

But if you just keep 2 to 3 in them I don't think they are.

I have a rack that hubby built from patterns I found on this group.

I keep 2 rats per tub.
Except for right now I have babies so the moms that have babies are in a tub with babies since they are growing fast I took the females that didn't have babies out and put all 3 in a tub for temp purpose til hubby can build me another rack.

I think the tub/rack system is very practical. Esp when your talking space and a number of rats.

The racks don't take up to much space , they are easy to clean out, it is easy to see in so you can keep checks on your little critters and all my guys seem just as happy in the rack as they did in a large cage I rotated them into for a while.

The large wire cage was and is a pain to clean out.

I think it all has to do with the number of rats you put per tub and the way they are treated as far as food, attention and the cleaniliness of their tub.

I think the rack and tub systems AWESOME! I'd never have a bunch of large containers or cages sitting around the house full of rats.
Not for breeding purposes anyway.

Maybe for a pet rat or two I might have a cage but not for the number of breeders we have .

One other good thing about the rack system is they can't or aren't very likely to chew out . With the containers you mention I have read lots of problems with chew outs.

I have 6 cats . My rats can't afford to chew out!

Hubby and I were both a little concerned about the space when I first got my rats. But they seem totally and completely happy in the tubs and even jump to go back in when taken out for to long .

We even built a play pen for them to run around in as we felt they might need and enjoy some excercise but that didn't last to long as all they did when we let them out was huddle in the corners together. They didn't run around or play like we thought they might.
We were trying to make up for the lack of room in the tubs but evidently it wasn't necessary.

Like I said even though they are basically food they still deserve the respect and care of any other animal you have in your house and I think thats what makes the most difference for quality of life.

We also feel very stongly about human deaths.
After all they are living breathing little beings.

We maybe different than most breeder here but it works for us and them.

Just my two cents from our experience.
rhsm