I was going to try a barred cage but I was afraid the babies would get out. I did have a crittertrail at first but that was a pain to clean with all the tubing and hard to reach areas..plus it wasn't big enough. I think the ventilation could be better in my tub and will be adding more holes.

The first tub I tried was a disaster, 6 rats chewed their way out and 5 were killed by my prison guard, the cat....one was caught and retrieved by my ferret.

Anyways, I learned from that fiasco and bought a taller tub, put in more holes, but smaller holes, and I think I am going to put even more holes now.

ASF rats are pretty cool. They come from africa (so do balls!) and drink little water...they have a far less retch inducing smell but anything will smell if it doesn't get cleaned! Their temperment suck though...which I am glad for so I don't get attached...."you want to bite me??? Well say hello to the snake! muahahahahaa"

Ok, I am better now I also like their size, a full grown retired rat is a nice dinner for an adult ball python. So they never outgrow my snake (unlike regular rats which have sweet personalities and get too big for my snake...who wants to feed that?)

hope I was of some use...