Travel cage for rats??

Question

I am going to be getting two rats soon a male and a female. Once I get them I will imediatelly take them to the vet to get one or maybe both of them fixed. They will probably be there overnight but I'm not sure yet?! Yes, I will talk to the vet about them and she is experienced with rats. Well anyway when i take them to the vet what should type of cage should I take them in?? Also, what should I put in it to make them more comfortable??? Please list links to cages!!

Thanks!!!

P.S. I live in the US so please list only US links!

Answer 1

why get a male and female if you are just going to get one fixed why not just get two females and save a vet bill.  even if you get one fixed males and females usually dont live together as well as two females do.  females are more of a community type rat and males are more of the loners...just a suggestion...

Answer 2

I use my cheapo small cage from petco/petsmart that I originally got when my rats were babies (before their Martin's cage).  That has an easy to remove top (the whole thing comes off).  Something like this wouldn't be terrible http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js...

I can't tell in that picture if you can take the top off.  It always made it easier for me or the vet to grab them if necessary.

I wouldn't leave your rat in here for any serious length of time as it is pretty small.  But it's cheap ($20) and should suit their needs.

Your rat will not have to be at the vet overnight.  The vet will probably have you drop off the rat in the morning and swing by later in the afternoon to pick it up.  To make your rat more comfortable, include sleep spots that your rat likes.  Once you're done with the surgery, you can put the rats back together providing the healthy rat isn't a groomer.  When my one rat had surgery, the other one just slept with her like normal and didn't bother the site at all.

I'd really reconsider getting rats of a different s*x.  Spaying/neutering can be a risk for a small animal.  The cost and the discomfort to the animal just so you can have one of each s*x seems pretty goofy.  Additionally, your rats will have no time to get to know their surroundings (and presumably each other since they are opposite s*x), you, etc before the surgery (because they might have babies) which will probably stress them out further.

Is it really worth it to you to have two of differing sexes?  You aren't missing out just sticking to one.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

Martin's Cages makes the best small animal cages I've ever encountered - travel or otherwise.

Answer 4

A cat/kitten carrying cage will be fine. Just make sure it's hard plastic with a door that locks securely on both the top and bottom. This one looks good: http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.js... You may want to also ask about whether you should provide a small amount of food or treats for them during their stay. I'm glad you were able to find a vet with rat experience!

Answer 5

I once had a rat and I carried it around in a cat carrier. Any appropriately sized, ventilated carrier will be just fine, trust me.

For comfort, I suggest you put in a few small and fluffy towels for them to nuzzle into and also to absorb any urine and stuff.

Hope I helped :)