we change the cage once a week and use cedar chips on the bottom but when i walk into the room i can 'smell' the cage.is it normal or is there something i can use to keep the odor down or away?
2006-07-11 02:58:56 · 21 answers · asked by kris 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
First you need to change the bedding. Cedar and Pine shavings are not good good for rats because of respiratory infections. Cedar and rat urine is not a good mix either because of the smell, other than just the physical problems. Try using either Aspen wood shavings or Care Fresh (it looks like recycled newspaper).
Male rats often smell muskier than females. Their urine is also a bit stronger. You should clean the cage once - twice a week. Scrub the cage out with MILD cleaning solutions about once a month and REALLY get all the soap out.
If you need more guidance, let me know I've had many rats as pets. Quartznh@yahoo.com
2006-07-11 07:12:49 · answer #1 · answered by Erica, AKA Stretch 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Hm, I'm not sure if cedar chips are good for rat's respiratory systems. What are you smelling? The urine? The bedding? I use "Critter Care" which is like shredded paper stuff and that smells weakly of old chocolate milk... I've seen candles that are made to reduce the smell of animal (Kind of like smoker's candles). There are also deodorizers. Do a search on line for them I guess. But they look kind of expensive.
2006-07-11 03:03:17 · answer #2 · answered by Steph 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your son lives in a rat cage? Man, that must be one huge cage! No wonder it stinks! lol He's not part rat, is he? Wow, that must be some kid! hehe
Sorry, just kidding. It's tough to get rid of a smell like that. It would have to be cleaned every day, I think, to control it better.
2006-07-11 03:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by merlin_steele 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I clean my rat's cages, after you wash it out, spray vinegar alll over the cage. Let it sit for a second, then wipe it out. This always helps lessen the smell. Also, maybe try changing the litter to a different kind.
2006-07-11 04:40:14 · answer #4 · answered by i-love-olive-rat 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cedar is not good for small animals. The scent is too strong and can cause respiratory problems.
Try Gentle Touch pet litter, it's a pellet type litter and the best in controlling odor.
2006-07-11 03:22:18 · answer #5 · answered by BB 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean the cage regularly, at least once a week. Scrub it with a germ-killing solution. It'll cut down on the smell and, as an added benefit, help prevent disease.
2006-07-11 03:18:24 · answer #6 · answered by tkron31 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting a little baking soda down before the bedding. BTW, cedar oils can be harmful to the rat.
2006-07-11 03:02:30 · answer #7 · answered by webfly2000 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont' use cedar chips - when the rat pee's on those - it acually creates a ammonia which can harm the rats respitory system and it acually smells worse - use carefresh bedding - it absorbs really well Also - don't use cat litter like others are suggesting - if the rat eats it - it will expand in his stomach and get very sick or die.
2006-07-11 07:23:36 · answer #8 · answered by Rinzy 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If he has male rats get them desexed. And other than that its down to cleaning every few days at least. Oh, drip water supplies are good rather than a bowl of water,which gets spilt everywhere and that might not be helping. And don't over feed them.
2006-07-11 03:04:47 · answer #9 · answered by red260z 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a type of bedding pellets not the shavings style --when your pet wets it fluffs up some so you can remove the spot its so much more absorbent also you can try scrubing the cage more often
2006-07-11 03:04:29 · answer #10 · answered by skizzle-d-wizzle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋