Hamsters vs Rats

[hrl20100]

Originally Posted by Wanna Hamster

Sleep tight Tori.

As for the cage, I have the American version of that first cage you linked. I originally bought it for Tori, but she absolutely hated it LOL! Thank you SO much for all the info and help. I think I'm going to use a dust-free paper based bedding for my ratties (right now I'm planning my trip to the humane society). I think it's pretty much final I'm getting rats, but thanks for the help everyone!

I read your thread, thats so sad Flump and Tori were like online hammie friends!

YAY for choosing rats! They are so much fun! Really hope you enjoy them as much as I do! (Try not to turn into a crazy rat lady like me though! )

[POLAR WHITES]

I've had both rats and hamsters and for me it's hamsters all the way. In my opinion rats smell and males has a orange grease to them also male rats mark when they walk.

[hrl20100]

Originally Posted by POLAR WHITES

I've had both rats and hamsters and for me it's hamsters all the way. In my opinion rats smell and males has a orange grease to them also male rats mark when they walk.

Yeah rats do smell and mark (dribble pee) when they walk, but the bond you get with rats makes it all worth it :') I feel more loved by my rats than my hamster (who has never bitten me or been mean in anyway! My rats are just genuinely more loving and happy to see me compared to any of the hamsters i've owned)

But yeah, the smell isn't great!

[Wanna Hamster]

Oh, I knew that!
I don't have a very strong nose and with thorough clean outs, I think I'll be able to handle it!

[hrl20100]

Originally Posted by Wanna Hamster

Oh, I knew that!
I don't have a very strong nose and with thorough clean outs, I think I'll be able to handle it!

If I can cope with the smell of eight of them, you can cope with the smell of two!

[Wanna Hamster]

LOL Hannah! How often do you clean your cage out?

[hrl20100]

Mine are all litter trained, so they poop in the litter trays. They will wee wherever they want and they can't really be trained to wee in a specific place unfortunately >.<

I sweep (with a dustpan and brush) and wipe down the cage (with baby wipes, unscented) every evening and completely empty and change the litter pans every 3 days. But thats with all 8 in one cage.

When I had 2/3 rats living together i spot clean every 2 days (pick up poop and wipe levels) and replace all the substrate every week.

I also re-organize all their toys and hammocks and completely rearrange the cage every week too