RatPalace.com - Pet Rat Care and Discussion

Wed Mar 31, 2004 2:10 am

I've been experimenting with dryer duct to help utilize the vertical space in my cage. The rats love it. Unfortunately, Momo's potty habits are horrid, and she insists on doing her business in the duct. Rolling Eyes

Which means that it gets really stinky really fast.

I'm concerned that not only will all this rat pee make my room smell like a toilet, but also that the buildup of ammonia will hurt their little ratly lungs. I thought about maybe cutting some drainage holes in the bottom, but it seems like they'd just chew them to shreds, or get their feet caught.

Does anyone have ideas on how to better ventilate the duct, or something i can replace it with that would be a better option?

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Katy: Ratmom to Momo, Hedwig, and Suzie!

Wed Mar 31, 2004 9:29 pm

You're right on being concerned about ammonia. I think you're also right about the tubes getting chewed up (and I'm surprised they haven't started on it yet) or their little feet getting caught.

What sort of lengths are you using? We use short lengths of plastic pipe (from the hardware store), and I wash them in the shower with me, while the water is heating up (after shaking out what I can). If you're using long lengths, that might not be practical.

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Victor, Bandit, and Sparrow's Sweeties: Neiko & Roo. Sparrow's Boys: Oliver, Arthur, and Rabskuttle. The fRAT Boys: Jim, Jack, and George.
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Wed Mar 31, 2004 10:07 pm

That's what the tube looks like. It's about a 4 foot length of the flexible vinyl stuff. They have started chewing on it a bit, there's a nice window on the outside of the corner. The shower thing might work.

I'll need to come up with a different method of attachment, though. I've currently got it bolted to the top of the cage. It takes about 10 minutes to take it off/put it on.

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Katy: Ratmom to Momo, Hedwig, and Suzie!