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We use Martin's cages, and they are great...but eventually even the shallow ramps worry me, ever since Leather broke her leg after getting her foot caught.
I've heard of people using the fine plastic mesh sold in craft stores for needlepoint to cover the ramps, but I've never tried it...we just switch the old rats to a SuperPets cage with solid ramps when they start dragging their hind legs.
Of course Sugar is probably used to not using her leg, unlike an old rat with spinal degeneration, so she's probably more agile.
If you have questions or ideas on modifications, call the folks at Martin's...they are really helpful and will customize stuff for you.
abita |
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02.01.08 - 5:15 pm | #
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I went back to Martin's to check, and the guinea pig cages have ramps that are solid; if you wanted, they could probably make the rat cages with those.
Oh, and if you do get one, it comes with a million metal C-rings to put it together...it's much easier on your hands to use zip ties instead.
abita |
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02.01.08 - 5:24 pm | #
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Us Europeans are very fond of Ferplast cages, with solid plastic ramps that can be connected to plastic platforms. But I don't think they're available in the US...
What size is that cage you were looking at?
Tale |
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02.01.08 - 6:07 pm | #
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I remember Leather breaking her foot. I didn't even think of that risk.
I'm glad you use Martin's and like them. I just did a google and liked what I saw there. I do appreciate the feedback, and I think I will ask them about using solid ramps. Sugar uses the leg most of the time, and only keeps it held up when she's making a tight turn, doubling back or stretching up.
She has gotten the toes on that foot caught a couple times in the grating, and it stresses her, and me, out. Besides, the ramps are just a good idea in case she gets spinal degeneration. Can't hurt, right?
I agree with the zip ties, though. I didn't know the cages came unassembled, so it's good to know. 
Thanks, Abita, for your help.
Lynn |
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02.03.08 - 3:13 am | #
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Thanks for the heads-up Theo. I'm going to have to research Ferplast. I've never heard of them, but that doesn't mean they don't sell them here.
I like the solid ramp/solid platform set up. It didn't bother me with my first set of rats because none of them had mobility problems until Rat Rat had spinal cord compression as an old rat. We just retrofitted a single level cage for her, and that worked fine. I'd use it for Sugar, except she's young and active and I don't want her to feel cooped up.
The size we're looking at is 30" x 18" x 24". They have some that are much bigger, but she's just one rat, and she's out a lot during the day with me.
Of course, I'm always looking for feedback. 
Lynn |
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02.03.08 - 3:18 am | #
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30" x 18" x 24" is a still pretty big, big enough for 1 to 3 rats I'd say. I hope Martin's will have options for solid ramps.
Tale |
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02.03.08 - 7:20 am | #
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I'm glad you agree, Tale. I think it'll do ok for a single rattie. I'm going to email Martin's and see what they can do about the ramps.
Lynn |
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02.04.08 - 3:54 am | #
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When I only had two rats I purchased a Martin's and loved it especially when I was a foster mom to baby rats (they can't squeeze through the bars)! But it was very expensive, especially to have it ship to Canada! Eventually, I adopted a few more rat and had to purchase a bigger cage but, sadly because Martin's is so expensive for Canadians, I had to go for another brand.
Rattie |
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02.04.08 - 7:52 pm | #
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Thanks for the info, Rattie. I honestly don't know how much it will cost to ship, but the cage is more expensive than the one I have her in now. It's around $75 with all the options I want. I'm sure shipping will bring it over $100.
It's good to hear so many good reviews on their cages, though. 
Lynn |
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02.06.08 - 1:03 pm | #
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