It was only maybe 5ml of vanilla to a 20oz bottle mind you....doesn't take much to make it cola colored. I would consistantly refill his water bottle every two days. But just to end this, we'll say you're right....
Or it was because I used aspen for my rats, doesn't mask the smell or urine too much. He was kept with two other males in a tub...
He was healthy as a horse, grew him out from a pup to a XL jumbo male... as far as food, he got Mazuri...
Need any more information?