I Need Some Rat Help!

[mousie]

So today I went out and spent my $50 gift certificate at the local pet store. It was fun picking out all the toys, and one of the things I bought was a litter pan. I had one awhile ago, but it was a tiny one that was virtually useless. So, I bought one made for guinea pigs and ferrets. I also got some corn cob litter to put in the litter box.
After I added my rats, Shirley and Charlotte, they went to investigate the litter box. They sniffed around, but I noticed Charlotte eating some of the corn cob. She wouldn't stop. I watched her chow down on it like it was a pile of yogurt treats. I took the litter box out as I could imagine eating all that litter can't be good for a rat. I looked it up, and sure enough, it can be very dangerous if they eat too much of it. I then put some shredded paper in, thinking that would be safe, and I put the litter box back in. Once again, Charlotte chowed down on it like it was absolutely delicious. I know paper can cause impactions, so I once again took the litter box out and emptied it out. What frustrates me is that Shirley actually used the litter box, but Charlotte only ate the litter. I know rats don't like mint, so I think tomorrow I'm going to go to Petsmart and pick up some of that mint-scented soft-sorbent litter.
I'm just wondering if any of you guys have any other suggestions, as this is getting frustrating! If it helps at all, I use aspen as their main bedding and they don't eat it all. Also, I put some of their 'raisins' in the litter box hoping to give them the message that that's where they should take care of their buisnes, and Shirley got tht message but Charlotte sure didn't. Any help would be greatly appreciated! :D

~abigail

[Christmas_Hamster]

Well that mint soft sorbent and the flower scented stuff are bad for small animals especially rats. The smells are too strong and can bother their respiratory system. So thats not a very good option.

I know most people use yesterdays new cat litter for their rats litter boxs. You coudl buy a small bag to try that.

I honestly have no clue as to why she would be eating it but maybe she won't like the yesterdays news.

[binka_nugget]

I would try yesterday's news or carefresh :) I can't imagine a rat liking either of those.

[moosmom]

My rat Winkie LOVES corn on the cob. That's why your are eating it. They sell corn on the cob (dried) at feed and pet stores and it is actually very good for him.

I use Care Fresh bedding. It's very soft and absorbent. Another thing you can do is shred newspaper. Rates need to chew to keep their teeth trimmed. They sell boxes of chew sticks and you can also give him a dog biscuit.

If you need more info, talk to Zara (Miss Z). She knows EVERYTHING about rats. ;)

[Christmas_Hamster]

Corn on the cob is different from corncob bedding. Corn on the cob is well corn on the cob but corn cob bedding is this stuff: http://www.casimirs-animal-shop.de/shop/media/corncob.jpg

It is known to mould quickly if not changed often.

[moosmom]

CH,

I didn't know that, thanks for the info.

I've been thinking about buying a shredder (we carry them at BB&B) and making my own bedding out of newspaper.