Advice please

[Emmajones79]

Hi There

We re getting 3 boy kittens next Saturday we have the cage but I really am unsure about what bedding to use and what to use for there toilet area and what to use for the flooring?? Sorry if I’m being a bit thick but there is so many different recommendations out there I’m totally confused!

Thank you

[Caza66]

I use cardboard squares, or finacard as the substrate in the cage and breeder celect cat litter for the toilet. You can use shavings such as bedmax or aubiose but I’m not keen on it, although as I have a bale I mix it 50/50 with cardboard bedding.

Have fun with the bubbas.

[Emmajones79]

Awww thank you! Do I need a wheel for them?? I have one that my Pygmy Hedgehog used to use so it’s massive and safe!

[cyber ratty]

Most rats will enjoy having a wheel, especially if they get used to it when young, so yes, pop it in.

I use a mix of finacard and pureflake extra (kiln dried dust extracted soft low odour shavings) on the floor, papelit or back 2 nature (same as breeder celect) paper pellets in the toilet corners, and shredded tissue and straw in beds.

[Emmajones79]

Thank you I’m so excited! Xxx

[Caza66]

Was it this Saturday or next you were getting your rats? Love to see some photos.

[Emmajones79]

Getting them Thursday! We can’t wait! I will defo oh pcs up!

Any advice on best bedding, toilet area and flooring? Also food??


Xxx

[cyber ratty]

I use a mix of finacard and pureflake extra (kiln dried dust extracted soft low odour shavings) on the floor, papelit or back 2 nature (same as breeder celect) paper pellets in the toilet corners, and shredded tissue and straw in beds.

For food - I suggest ordering from Rat Rations (you can buy your beddings at the same time to make the most of your postage, plus great accessories too), and mix the following together:
2kg mix #11 (any version)
2kg Harrisons Banana Brunch
200g barley rings
200g seed mix
Feed them 15g each per day, scattered over the floor so it mixes with the substrate - foraging for it is a great enrichment activity and means they eat in a more healthy pattern than using a bowl. It should last around 3 months.

As they are still babies, add 50g mixed insects and sea creatures to a third of that mix and feed it first as they'll need an enriched mix when they are growing. If they are young babies (6 weeks), then for the first couple of weeks also give them a fresh balanced meal twice a week, e.g. tuna, couscous, and peas, or pasta, chicken, and broccoli, or rice, egg, and tomato, etc.

[Emmajones79]

Thank you! They will be 7 weeks xxx

[Emmajones79]

Also where is the best place to get everything from, all hammocks, climbing bits and chews? Trying to find a site that does it all? Thank you

[cyber ratty]

Ring Rat Rations up and ask about the National Pet Initiative starter pack - it includes most of what you need to fill a cage with, and can be tailored to your wishes.

[Emmajones79]

Awww thank you so much! Xxx