You are doing really great so far, definitely better than when I first started rat keeping. Here are some things I've learned while owning rats. You're going to need way more bedding in the cage, at least 6-8 inches. And I'd stray away from colored bedding because a lot of the dyes aren't safe for them. Kiln dryed aspen, cedar, and hemp are good as well as paper. Don't worry about other rat owners being upset with the bedding you choose, as long as it's proven safe and your rats like it then go with that. The problem with fleece is that they can't forage in the bedding and it gets gross really quick. You also want an extremely crowded cage with ropes, bridges, hammocks, and tubes. The buckets you have are really good, and I really loved the idea of cutting up fleece for them to forage in. Again for a first time rat owner you are doing wonderful and I can tell you clearly care for your rats. Keep doing what you're doing and continuing research as you own them and you'll be just fine

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

sorry for the delay in response!! Thank you so very much!! this is super helpful! Im going to keep an eye out for some affordable hemp bedding. the aspen didnt really work for me. ive learned soooo much since that video, and a lot of thanks to people like you!! so thank you 🥰💜 I did a whole revamp and took into consideration a lot of what you said here 😁

@commanderkahn1750

2 жыл бұрын

​@@amethystscorner 6-8 inches of bedding for rats seems a little much to me, sure they wouldn't mind it but my rats have lived on a mix of around 2-3 inches of shredded paper "tea-bag" bedding and carefresh bedding (coloured carefresh is absolutely fine, the dye is not dangerous, but I use natural) for years, and it's worked perfectly fine. Cedar and Pine have these things called phenols (which smell nice to us, so they should be considered scented beddings), which can be toxic to many small animals, rats and mice most notably. Usually causing liver damage and raspatory issues. (paper bedding and fleece are most often recommended, you can even cut up strips of fleece for your rats to nest with.) But, 6-8 inches of bedding is something I would expect for a hamster cage, because hamster are ground burrowing animals, whereas rats are agile, climbing, nesting animals, meaning then will usually collect material and bring it to their nests which tend to be higher in the cage (rats love high places because in the wild, they would be staying away from predators). Not to mention, most rat cages won't even come with bases tall enough to for that much bedding in. Really I'd only see that much bedding in a tank, which is not okay for rats. This doesn't mean rats don't enjoy digging though, but you don't need 6-8 inches of bedding throughout their cage, it's not cost effective at all. Many people will use plastic storage bins and add them into the cage, or keep then out in the rats' free-roam area and use them as dig boxes, usually filled with paper bedding, or even coco soil (soil made from coconut fibres) Some things I'd like to mention: -Like you said, a bigger cage. The general rule is roughly 2 cubic feet per rat, but more is better in most cases. Also a different cage with no wire shelves - even better if you take out the ramps and shelves completely and replace them with plastic organisers - similar to the one you have, but smaller - you can get them very cheap and zip-tie them to your cage. Ramps can also lead to rats getting a little lazy, and I only use them for my elderly girls. Young rats are super happy to climb on the sides of the cage and use things like ropes and lava ledges to get around - its a good way to keep them exercising. The critter nation is a GREAT choice of cage. You can also buy addons to make the cage bigger if you ever decide to get more rats! -For the bedding, I would switch from wood shavings to paper (look into teabag bedding, it's just made from offcuts of teabags during manufacturing, so it should be relatively cheap anywhere you look) and the carefresh you're currently using is totally fine (though the coloured and white carefresh is a bit pricier, brown is the natural and cheapest option). I like how you mix the bedding and let it settle before adding it to the cage, even the most dust extracted beddings out there will have some dust. -About the pink paint - seeing as you mentioned it's a washable paint, it probably isn't the best to use for rat cages, as pee can soak into the paint and rub it off, plus when you clean the cage you will have to redo the paint every time, and it will become chipped and start to look messy over time anyway. I suggest looking into a product called Plastikote project enamel. It's safe for rats and will create an enamel coating on the bars (like what is on bars of new cages already), which wont wash off. It seems like you can buy different colours like red and white, so maybe you could mix the two to create the pink you're looking for. -A wheel - rats usually need a wheel in their cage, even if you are freeroaming for hours and hours a day. a 15 inch wheel is recommended for larger rats, though a 12 inch is the second best, and most common size probably. -Water bottles - It's recommended to have multiple water sources for your rats, just in case one water bottle stops working, which has happened to me before! -For chews, I suggest you try these dog treats called Whimzees, they are all natural and the larger chews can last quite a while. Just watch out for them getting soaked in pee. Also, I think you're paying too much for the litter pellets.. not sure how much they cost where you live, but in the UK I can get double the amount for the same price as your 10 litre bag! I get the brand "back 2 nature" I was able to socialise my rats relatively fast by having their cage next to my desk where I work, and just sitting in the middle of their free roam area, and letting them run around me for a few hours. It always makes me happy to see people actually caring about doing research and asking for feedback about these kind of things best of luck with making a lovely home for those babies! You've made a fantastic start! If you have any more questions I'm super happy to answer anything!!

@QuestionableOrganSystems

2 жыл бұрын

I use like 6 blankets because ALL the bedding i have used has been super dusty 😐 th vets were getting out of hand. So we had to use blankets, and they still can go under them, etc

@ashleypauley7588

2 жыл бұрын

I started using less bedding cause mine barely go on the bottom floor with bedding anyways it just depends on your rats as to how much bedding they like mine don't play or go under it or nothing and it dosnt take much for foraging there food.

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Gotcha! I switched to color carefresh exclusively and it seems to work well for my girls!

So happy to hear you’re planning on getting a critter nation, that’s for sure the best type of cage you could have! It’s great to see first time rat owners, or pet owners in general being so invested to learning and making good choices for the animals!🥰

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

sorry for the delay in response!! thank you so much!! Im a firm believer that pets are a privilege , not a right, and are a HUGE responsibility. So i wanted to be the best owner i could be 💜🥰 I appreciate this comment a lot

The breeder that I am getting my ratties from told me that ratties love clutter in their cage. It may be a good idea to get a few more things so that they can climb. It wonderful the stuff that you do have for your ratties. Oh and I almost forgot that they like to pee on rocks for some reason or other too. So in addition to the litter you bought maybe find a a rock or some stones to put in the litter box/ bowl for them. That's what I plan to do anyways when I get my little ones. I plan to buy most items from Amazon, Dollar Tree, and my local Petsmart too. Hope everything is going well with your girls.

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Omg thank you so much!!!this is so helpful! I will definitely be implementing this ❤️💜❤️💜

If you haven't yet check out Emiology & Shadow the Rat she has great rat parenting tips & good luck with your new babies!

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

sorry for the delay in response!! Yes! I was fortunate that around the time i adopted, she posted something bout bonding with babies! I think Tanji is just super skittish. she seems to trust me and if my hand is in the cage she will come and give me kisses, but is still jumpity :( but its okay cause if its just her personality im not too worried, i just want her to feel safe. I appreciate the comment!!! 🥰💜

I prefer to use several smaller bottles in my rat cage, mostly because when I used larger bottles I found I wasn’t cleaning them out daily because they didn’t require refills as often. Personally I like the choco nose small animal bottles because they have a cute pastel pink option! I would recommend you always have 2 water sources available to your rats just in case one clogs (it’s happened to me!), or leaks until it’s empty, etc..

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Oh that's such a good point thank you!! I did have two other bottles but they kept leaking 🥴 I have a few otw. I appreciate the help and feedback ❤️

Hi! Rat dad here, 1st, my rats love the little bubble, they sleep in it 24/7. 2nd definitely make sure you get a bigger cage! and 3rd dyed bedding isnt the best for rats sometimes, so definitely would recommend researching that a bit more!!

@amethystscorner

Жыл бұрын

hey!! yea, ive adjusted a lot!! thank you so much for the advice!!! :)))

Great vid as always! Can’t wait to see them bond with you so we can see them more😍

100% get the critter nation. Can get a second hand one for around 100+, aswell taming with babies just try food and baby food. It helps alot with getting them tamed faster

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

I ended up doing that!! I need to make an update video really badly haha

Your doing amazing with your rat care so far! The best things for rats is *clean* clutter if you know what I mean! The more the better! Have an amazing day!!

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Yes! I've definitely learned this so far. Thank you so much for the feedback and information 😊

Mix in a tiny bit of coconut oill into the bedding. It will help reduce any dust, and is perfectly fine for rats. It will also help keep their skin healthy. Don't use so much that it quits being absorbent. Viva towels are also very good for bedding. Just cut it up with some shears. Also you can cut slices off it so the mice can grab it as they need it.

@amethystscorner

5 ай бұрын

Interesting on the coconut oil! I exclusively use bedding for them. The wood didn't work, they kept getting respiratory infections, But the paper bedding from CareFresh has never given me any issues. I have heard some people use paper towels with mice but with rats I found I need something a bit more sturdy

@amethystscorner

5 ай бұрын

Interesting on the coconut oil! I exclusively use bedding for them. The wood didn't work, they kept getting respiratory infections, But the paper bedding from CareFresh has never given me any issues. I have heard some people use paper towels with mice but with rats I found I need something a bit more sturdy

If you don’t already have a critter nation, treat yourself AND your rats!! I upgraded to a single critter nation for my two girls and they LOVE IT. It’s also just well built and I feel safe with them safe inside :)!! It’s a big investment (really was for me) but it was 100% worth it. Built well, easy for them to climb in, and super secure. Definitely a good buy, especially if you want to continue owning rats :)

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Hey!! Thank you so much for your comment!! I have! And I'm so glad I did! I only have a single story right now but I want to make it a double so that I can comfortably get a couple more babies 🥰💜

That thing you called a planter. I call it a rat ball. Both of my female rats would curl up in it. I got a bigger cage, and I got something bigger for them to sleep in.

@amethystscorner

11 ай бұрын

Hahaha I love "rat ball" my rats don't go in it much though 😅 do you hang it up or just set in down

I was surprised to see you have barley any subs! Loved your video and it was great quality! Loved the haul too! Can’t wait till you make more videos 😁💕

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much!!! I seriously appreciate it 🥰🥰

I recently found your channel and absolutely love the vibes! i am also a new”er” rat mom and i’d love to connect with you to exchange ideas and stories with you!

tip for anyone getting baskets, or anything really, check all edges of the design/cutouts and make sure they are not sharp! any are their feet can touch. if it is sharp you can always sand it or file it down!

@amethystscorner

7 ай бұрын

Yes!! I was worried about this when getting them. Most plastic I get for them is thicker to avoid this. Thank you for adding the tip!!

I have rats and they are so cute and here's a tip they love to hide and they love to sleep or run about

@amethystscorner

Жыл бұрын

Haha that is quite accurate 🤣🥰💜

IM GONNA GET RATS NEXT MONTH!! all these tips and what u got are so helpful!!! Tysm! :D

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

AHHH SO EXCITED FOR YOU!!

@Opalisgrey

2 жыл бұрын

@@amethystscorner TYSM :DDDDD TIME TO VINGE ALL THE REST OF UR VIDS HEH :DD

also if they like to hide i recomend buying sputniks! they are little bed things. also fill up your cage more because they need things to be busy great ideas though!

@amethystscorner

Жыл бұрын

Yes! My new set up is COMPLETELY different 🥰 a lot more stuff. Not Sputniks yet though!! They're on my wish list

I think with your bedding make sure it’s safe for your ratties since I think the dye that it’s colored might not be safe!

@amethystscorner

2 ай бұрын

Thank you! I have gotten it checked with vets who say it's safe as well as I have swapped to the wood ones per breeders request and my girls don't do well with it at all. I dont know about all dyed bedding but care fresh should be safe from my research 🥰💜

I found my rat baby love Gerber snacks puffs

@amethystscorner

Жыл бұрын

Yes!! I have these on rotation for them haha. I also get the puffed crackers at Aldi and break em up. They go nuts for em

Just subscribed! I'm so happy to see another rat KZread channel 😊 I'm not in a position to own rats yet so it's great to discover new channels

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

omg thats awesome!! im so happy you are here!!

@EKaye-ht6hx

2 жыл бұрын

@@amethystscorner great to be here 😀 I also watched the other videos with your girls 😊 how are they doing?

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Really well! Its been about a month since then. I'm going to take Bocca to get checked out since she's a bit older. Just to make sure she's okay. They're getting even more confident and comfortable too which I love

@EKaye-ht6hx

2 жыл бұрын

@@amethystscorner that's really great to hear. Hope the vet visit goes well 🙏🏾 what made you decide to have girl rats over boy rats?

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Honestly, it was just a personal preference. And that the balls on the boys make me really uncomfortable 😂😅 Although I am considering transitioning into owning boys instead, cuz I was really hoping for cuddle buddies and the girls literally do not sit still for a second. The stereotypes that they are more adventurous are very true. It seemed that girls tend to have less health issues too when they get older, but that was just from my personal observations, I'm not sure if there's any kind of proof of that. But yeah, it was a hard choice and wouldn't say I necessarily regret mine, but if you want cuddle buddies I definitely say go for boys.

Make sure to move the cage a little from the outlet!! And make sure they don’t get stuck in those holes because there so small! Your doing great

@noellejackson7453

Жыл бұрын

I know this is an old vid lol

@amethystscorner

Жыл бұрын

Hey! Thank you so much for the reminder. I have since moved it! And you're so good haha, I'm really delayed on responding as well 😅 I appreciate you!

You’d probably want a bigger cage because it’s just the bare minimum but there is so much room for improvement and you’ll probably learn so much more while having them! I didn’t really watch the video I just saw how to cage was really small and it needed work. I’m not trying to put this as hate but as a rat owner sometimes you just need to give people some advice! Don’t be ashamed that you didn’t do good enough (that sounded way ruder than I intended) have a wonderful day

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

I gotcha lol. I made an update video that shares the new critter nation I have :)

@solarst4r

2 жыл бұрын

@@amethystscorner wonderful!

I have the same exact cage but in black lol I ended up buying another and connecting them

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Haha love it!

hi! you said you got stuff from good will, you sanitized them right????? because the rats can get diseases from dirty stuff. just a tip!

@amethystscorner

Жыл бұрын

Yes!! I used unscented disinfecting dish soap :)) i thought I mentioned it in the video but maybe I forgot haha

Hello! I hope to see a cage setup soon 😊

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Hi!!! I'm a Lil MIA but I wanna get back to filming and showing 🥰

I have 3 rats and I used care fresh and they are scented and it does say 99% dust free but most of the time it’s not please try to find a different type of bedding like mini hemp or hemparade I’m sorry if I spelt it wrong but please be careful with what you put into your cage

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know! In my research it said the carefresh I used was scent free. I'll reach out to the company to double check:) I definitely am trying to be careful.

i think ur doing super good so far and idk if u are still using the same food u showed, but it shouldnt b the only part of the diet !! it has too much fiber and they need more proteins than fiber ! i'd look into the shutamite (i hope i spelt that right) diet. i hope they've bonded towards u and good luck !!

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Yes!! I recently went down the rabbit hole of that diet and it's definitely what I want to use 🥰 I've been also doing fresh fruit and veg and grains in the meantime

Cute 🤩

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

hehe thank you! 💜🥰

Try freeze dry apples! My rats LOVE them but hate the strawberries lol

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Ooo okay!! Thank you!!

Your doing awesome

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

🥰 I really am trying. They're important to me

💙

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

💜🥰

🌼

❤❤💞💞💖💖

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

🥰💗💜

when is the next video coming out?

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

That's a good question 😭🤣 Honestly, I've already filmed a couple of videos it's just me getting around to editing them. Life's been pretty hectic as of late so I've been focused on just making sure my rats are OK rather than trying to film everything. But hopefully very soon! 🥰

i'm just coming across your channel now. Your cage on the left ( right to you in the video) would not be suitable for hamsters ever. LOl they need large space with depth to put lots and lots of bedding like 6-8 inches worth because hamsters love to burrow

@amethystscorner

7 ай бұрын

Hey! Yeah honestly I don't think that cage would be suitable for any animal for living. I used it exclusively for cleaning or for introduction. If you check out my last video you'll see the cage now is much much larger 🤣

@fitzguineavision

7 ай бұрын

I'll check it out tonight when I get home. @@amethystscorner

Just be a little careful with the kind of food you have there has been rats who have died from the oxbow food but you may be fine

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

For sure, in my newer video I actually talk about that:) trying to save up to make my own shunamite mix

Give some cardboard

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

I have been :) they have a lot of boxes now

They use rocks to pee on

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Good to know

pls no

@amethystscorner

2 жыл бұрын

Excuse me? No to what exactly??

Critter Nation is the best! Stay with CareFresh. Wood chips cause respiratory distress!

@amethystscorner

7 ай бұрын

Hey! Yesss a lot has changed since this video. Ive tried pine shavings, they definitely worked but my girls did seem to be bothered more on pine. So I'm back on the carefresh 💜

@ratladyroch

6 ай бұрын

God bless you! Your ratties will have less issues with respiratory problems and allergies! You will save $ on vet bills and meds!