two questions, i;ve wanted pet rats for a while and my gf said she would get me a couple for xmas.

now i have 2 troubles, firstly my mum hates rats (so i'd need to convince her) any ideas how.

and where to keep them, i have limited space. i could either have a smallish cage or a large vivarium (although heard this aint ideal), if i use the vivarium would i be ok if i vented it well? thanks guys

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1.1.0 Corn snakes
Wish list Royal Python and Common Boa

The minimum size cage you'd be looking at for a pair would be something like the Savic Freddy 2: Savic Freddy 2 Cage : Ferret : Rat

I would 100% choose a cage over a viv!

If the viv is wooden, then I can imagine their pee would get absorbed into the wood fairly quickly, resulting in warping and a bad smell! Also, the ventilation really just isn't enough.

They do need a lot of climbing space, which the bars of a cage can supply - in a viv, they can't utilise all the space available. With a cage you can attach shelves, hammocks etc., whereas that would be very difficult in a viv - and would make cleaning out a nightmare!

Also bear in mind that you shouldn't use woodshavings for rats, but a paper based litter

You say you have enough room for a large viv - can you not get a large cage for the same place?

As for your mum - tell her you're getting long-tailed Norwegian hamsters.... but only if you do have enough space to keep them.

Don't choose a viv - it'll be a waste of money really, the wood will absorb their urine and the smell, even well ventilated the wood will warp and probably rot. Not to mention the chewing... wood is just perfect for chewing and rats sure do like to chew, a cage is much better!

I use the jenny rat cages from pets at home and I think they are absolutely fantastic and well worth the money

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No internet at home for a few weeks, may take a while to respond. Should be back to normal in Sept.

yeah, well the viv i had space for is underneath my other viv (with snake in), i guess it could possible be used or i could get a new desk and put a cage there. will they be bothered by humming of a pc or not?

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1.1.0 Corn snakes
Wish list Royal Python and Common Boa

hmm.. about the wooden problem couldn't i overcome this with coating?

i've been looking at some cages. going have too pursuade my mum first. shehad bad experience when we had gerbils

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1.1.0 Corn snakes
Wish list Royal Python and Common Boa

dont put them in wooden enclosures !!

buy a decent cage from me

No, rats cannot be kept in vivariums. The sole reason being that rats are renowned for respiratory problems and vivariums don't provide the proper ventilation. Rat urine is high in ammonia and this is what causes it.

They will need to be kept in a wire cage - for ventilation and also because they are good climbers.
The ferplast Jenny is a great cage, lots of space, but can be expensive to buy brand new so try ebay. I sold mine on there not so long ago for £10.

Also rats are highly sociable animals and need to be kept in single sex pairs, or more.

never use a viv. There isn't enough ventilation. I have 2 pet rats and they live in a Jenny rat cage. You can also go for a indoor rabbit cage (depending on the size and age of the rats, they can get through small bar spacings don't forget!) chinchila cages are also good ones. My 2 used to live in a 3 foot indoor rabbit cage, but they are adults. I am not a huge fan of chinchila cages or any other cages with wire floors and wire ladders as these are not good for the feet. Rats are energetic and need room for running about. You would also need room for levels, hammocks, houses, toys etc. Although people say boys aren't very energetic, they can be when they want to be. Make sure you get 2 or more rats. Never get a lone rat unless it can't live with any others.

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I'm not stoopid, I'm just different!!

1 Fat Tailed Gecko - pepi