Rats chewing through cement tubs???

[alohareptiles]

I just put together one of the racks from Tierney Reptiles sold...Very nice by the way and easy for the busy person who doesn't have time to make them from scratch...

But my question is, "Do rats normally chew through the cement tubs?" I have two tubs so far chewed through by the rats. If my son didn't find their heads peeking through, I would of had small colonies roaming my basement. Is this normal? Is there anything that can be done to deter them from chewing through?

[sassy-pants]

But my question is, "Do rats normally chew through the cement tubs?" I have two tubs so far chewed through by the rats. Is this normal? Is there anything that can be done to deter them from chewing through?

No, they don't normally. It happens occasionally, but definitely shouldn't occur that often. Give them something else to chew on, like wood blocks, to help deter that behavior. Make sure they always have access to food and clean water, also. If they've got everything they need to be happy, they'll be less likely to try to escape.

[OhhWatALoser]

i keep mine in plain sterlite type tubs and never had a problem. they always have food and water, I used to throw wood in there, but they don't even use that much, I just let em be now. food seems to keep them happy.

[Shadera]

I've had two chewouts out of 17 of those tubs over a year. Those rats should be culled, because it's something they'll never forget how to do and will teach the other rats in the tub with them to do. If you have a watering system, they can chew it to pieces when they get out, so even if they get back into the tub after they're done roaming it can still cause problems.

Giving them wood blocks to chew is good advice.

[ThePythonRack]

Ive had a few rats chew through.. i just find the chewer and off to the feeder bin he or she goes.. the trait is passed down genetically so getting rid of them is crutial .

[matt71915]

problem solved

[blackcrystal22]

Adding wheels sometimes helps if there's room.

[matt71915]

I forgot to add. The asf's did the damage to that tub not the regular rats. I haven't had any problems with them chewing these tubs.

[ARpythons]

its happend to me but it was only in the tubs that weren't tight against the top. after making a few adjustments to the rack and making them a tighter fit they didnt chew out any more. it was only if they could get a bite on the top ledge when they actually chewed out. I still had to replace a tub here and there from just chewing on the sides, but they didn't get out anymore.

[Dave763]

http://ball-pythons.net/viewarticle.php?articleid=271

Almost a year now. No chewing. No problems.