Hug me, I'm new!

[gav]

Hey all, I'm Gav.

I used to keep rats with an ex girlfriend a few years back, so that's how I got started.

Recently, I've become long term sick (I'm not going into detail, but it cost me my job) and was looking at maybe getting a trio of girls, for companionship and entertainment. I might get a duo, but I'm certainly getting more than one rat. Having something to care about will help improve my condition as well.

I am starting essentially from scratch. I'm based in Hampton Park, Victoria, but don't have much clue as to what type of cage, toys, accessories, etc that I'll need to get restarted, though my available budget, excluding the ratties themselves, will be about $100. Can someone do my homework for me?

Thanks, all.
Gav.

I'm good with a craft knife and boxes, so I usually make little hidey-nests.

[wulfyskingdom]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

For your budget, I would suggest looking at the ratty housing and toys ideas on www.dapper.com.au and they have DIY info too.

[juicecup]

I think rats will be a great pet for you

All up, my cage setup cost about $200... but thats only because I'd being collecting toys for a while before I got my two girls.

So here is a basic layout of what I bought and how much it cost

Petone 3 level Cage: $75
Food Mix (I made my own but will last me at least 4 months) : $40 (25L of food)
Fleece for hammocks and as liners: $15
Toys (cheapy shops are great for this and Bunnings too) : $30
Ceremic Food Bowl and Water Bottle : $15
Litter and litter tray : $10

And then the ratties themselves were $25.

If you can get a second hand cage or make a grotto yourself that would save you a bit of money. And also, fleece is an alternative to normal Breeders Choice bedding. But my girls do love their hammocks

[shellanne]

If you want to save money, I would suggest going on ebay or gumtree and looking for second hand cages, because for a couple of rats, you can pick up a bargain on there!

I had so much left over from before I got really sick when we had our rats, igloos, etc that we didn't have to get too much, but to save money, I've found making a hidey home out of boxes is a good idea, when they pee in it, it has to be thrown out, but it's a cheap alternative and they can chew it up too. I've used odd socks as bedding (and dapper rat - the link you were provided before will give you heaps of ideas what to do with old socks) and old towels, etc. That saves heaps. Maybe you could get things bit by bit, each week or fortnight until you have a collection and you feel good to get your rats? They are a great companion when you are not well, they are so loving and comforting, it's a fantastic idea. All the best with it... let us know how you go