My male rats pee everywhere in their 3 level cage - how do I stop that?

Question

I bought a big aquarium (for fish) for the base of their cage system and there is a wire cage on top with a ramp to the bottom where the litter is - the rats pee everywhere on all three levels. They came from someone else and they never had "Pee" boxes - so I thought they would know the litter on the whole bottom is where they do their thing!
It gets really stinky! And of course since the bottom level is the warmest - as that is the enclosed aquarium area - that is where they want to sleep too

Answer 1

You don't. Rats and mice leave scent trails to find their way to and from each place they go. It 's part of their nature and breed. And don't let anyone fool you, rats make excellent pets!! Poor things get a bad rap from Hollywood. You can train them to do most any tricks you dream up. I've had 4 of them for pets. The best thing is you don't have to housebreak them in adverse weather.

Answer 2

If you don't like the smell, try putting a little (1/4 tsp.) vanilla extract in thier water. It cuts the smell...and they like the taste. Thats what I do with my rats...they go ALL through thier cage...not just on the bottom. Male rats instinctively mark their territory, and if you have more than 1, they will pee all over the place...even pee on YOU marking you as their own!! There really isn't much more you can do...sorry...I've tried!!

Melissa

Answer 3

Rats are going to pee everywhere they go. It is normal for them to sleep where they pee, too. Really, it's completely normal for rats. Are you also trying to get them to use a knife and fork?
You just need to wipe of the hard surfaces where they pee, and change the litter when needed. Can't help it, their pee does smell some, but mouse pee smells worse.

Answer 4

Thats just how rats are. You can see if it will lessen by getting the rats neutered. Neutering also helps prevent testicular cancer too.

Answer 5

They are RATS, nasty stinky rats. Get rid of them.